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Washington Wizards: Wizards Welcome Avery Bradley and Drummond to The Vault

By Nick Stevens

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the game on January 21, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 21: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the game on January 21, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 16: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #5 of the Detroit Pistons and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards talk on the floor at Verizon Center on December 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 16: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #5 of the Detroit Pistons and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards talk on the floor at Verizon Center on December 16, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Tonight, the Washington Wizards (1-0) will battle the Detroit Pistons (1-0), as the Wizards look to improve on their opening night performance. Expect another exciting matchup between Bradley Beal and Avery Bradley.

The Washington Wizards began their 2017-18 season on Wednesday night with a gritty win. John Wall led the way with 28 points and 8 assists as the Wizards beat Philadelphia, 120-115. It was Washington’s first season opener at home since 2011, and  the first regular season game in the newly named Capital One Arena.

Tonight, the Wizards welcome the Detroit Pistons (1-0) to “The Vault.” The Pistons roll into D.C. after defeating the Charlotte Hornets, 102-90, on Wednesday. Detroit was led by Tobias Harris who scored 27 points off 11-for-17 shooting, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. Used mainly off the bench last year, Harris looks ready to take on a leadership role for the Pistons.

So, what should fans anticipate in tonight’s matchup as the Wizards look to improve to 2-0 out of the gate?

Avery Bradley

He’s back! The Wizards will once again have their hands full with Avery Bradley. Bradley joined the Pistons during the offseason, after being traded from Boston for Marcus Morris. He is, without question, one of the best defenders in the NBA. General Managers across the league agreed, voting him the second-best defender in the league in this year’s GM survey. Second only to Russell Westbrook.

In last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, Bradley (then a Celtic) did a terrific job of guarding Bradley Beal. According to Wizards’ owner Ted Leonsis, Bradley gave Beal “fits” during the Boston series.

Though we are only one game in, Beal and Wall look to be even more explosive than last year. Look for the duo to pass any test dished out by Avery Bradley, and complete more plays like this one…

The Wizards backcourt duo combined to go 1-for-7 on three-point shots Wednesday evening. The rest of the Wiz Kids didn’t perform much better, going 5-for-15. Kelly Oubre connected for three of them, keeping the Wizards in line to win. The entire team will need to improve in this area. With Avery Bradley defending, it may be much easier said than done.

Wizards Defense

The Wizards perimeter defense has been scrutinized since last season. This could continue to haunt Washington. They allowed Philadelphia to shoot 43% (15-35) from deep on Wednesday.

The challenge tonight will come from Tobias Harris. With Jason Smith likely out after suffering a shoulder injury, Coach Scott Brooks could end up sliding Otto Porter to the four. Defensively, this could pan out as a better matchup for the Wizards. Smith struggled mightily in the preseason on defense. Ball handlers easily exposed his slow feet, resulting in a lot of easy points in the paint.

Against the Sixers, Washington forced 17 turnovers, including two crucial turnovers in the final seconds of the game. A number of those were attributed to an inexperienced 76ers’ lineup. If Washington wants to stay in a position to win, they will need to put up similar numbers again.

Tonight’s game could be a low-scoring affair if the Pistons defense performs like they did against Charlotte. While Stanley Johnson went 0-for-13 from the field, his 40-minute defensive performance was instrumental in securing an opening night win. Keep an eye on how Oubre handles Johnson. This will be his opportunity to show Coach Brooks, that he belongs in the starting lineup.

https://twitter.com/WashWizards/status/920823776593530880

The Wizards took two of three from Detroit last season, including a 122-108 win in their lone meeting in Washington. I predict another tough battle, but a Wizards victory.

On Friday, the Wizards tip off against the Pistons at 7 PM at Capital One Arena.

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