Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Wizards keys to Heat or Bucks playoff series

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC -  DECEMBER 10: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game on December 10, 2016 at Verizon Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  DECEMBER 10: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game on December 10, 2016 at Verizon Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 2
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 06: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards dribbles past Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 6, 2018 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 06: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards dribbles past Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 6, 2018 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

For the 2018 NBA playoffs, examining possible first-round foes for the Washington Wizards—the Miami Heat or the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Washington Wizards are hovering around the fourth and fifth spot in the Eastern Conference. However, they could still snatch the King’s crown, and pull up to the third spot.

Nonetheless, they are prepared to take on whichever team they meet in the first round.

However, the Miami Heat are rather unpredictable. Washington played them four times this season, splitting the series, 2-2. For the last two matchups, future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was along for the ride.

The Wizards are the better team. Yet, Washington’s Achilles’ heel against Miami—the game’s tempo.

The Heat are a run-and-gun team. Washington just can’t fall into the trap and play at their pace.

Miami tries to tire Washington out. However, with John Wall‘s return, he and Bradley Beal should set the pace.

If Washington can control the pace and control the paint—Hassan Whiteside—then that should be a quick series.

The second area of concern with Miami is their bench.

In the Wizards overtime win on March 6, Tyler Johnson off the bench had 21 points, leading all Heat starters. While Wade, who is by no means a bench-warmer, had 22 points in 28 minutes.

If either of those two players are on the floor, a Wizards starter should be on the floor as well. Because Wade has some vet moves, that the second-unit probably have never thought of. He uses that to his advantage.

One trick that Washington should be aware of, if Wade wants to spot up for a three to send the game into overtime—let him. Do not fall for it.

Keys to a Heat series—pace, paint and the bench.

Home/Wizards News