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Washington Wizards Game Day: Wizards look for third straight win against Pistons

By Montel Davis

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the New York Knicks during a pre-season game on October 8, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards take their talents on the road in a preseason showdown against the Detroit Pistons.

Following a win against the New York Knicks, the Washington Wizards are looking to extend their winning streak to three, in a preseason showdown against the Detroit Pistons, Wednesday, October 10 in the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

This game will be an early matchup between two Eastern Conference teams who are dark horses to win the East. While the Pistons will continue building the chemistry between their two all-stars, Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, the Wizards will have to wait even longer before integrating Dwight Howard into the team.

According to CBS Sports Kyle Boone, Howard’s status to return to the court remains in question for the nine-time all-star.

"“He’s going to get a pain-relieving injection and hopefully early next week, he’ll be back on the court and be ready to play,” Brooks said. “I don’t know what that means for the first game, but we’re just gonna take it day by day.”"

Injury Report:

Wizards: Howard (Out ), Thomas Bryant (Out)

Pistions: Jon Leuer (Out), Stanley Johnson (Questionable)

Washington Wizards Projected Starting Five:

Point Guard:  John Wall – 19.1 points, 9.6  assists, 3. rebounds (2018 stats)

Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal – 22.6 points, 4.5 assists, 46.3% Field Goal (2018 stats)

Small Forward: Otto Porter – 14.7 points, 2.0 assists, 6.4 rebounds (2018 stats)

Power Forward: Markieff Morris – 11.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 36.7%three-point field goal percentage (2018 stats)

Center: Ian Mahinmi – 4.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 55.6% field goal percentage, 0.5 blocks (2018 stats)

Key to a Victory:

Control the Paint:

Due to the injuries of Howard and Thomas Bryant, it is going to be important for the Wizards to control the paint on both ends of the floor in their absence. And what better way for them to adjust than a preseason game against the Pistons.

Detroit currently has two of the top 15 big men in the league in Griffin and Drummond, so this game will be a great way for Scott Brooks to make adjustments before the season begins. If Ian Mahinmi can control the paint and the defensive while receiving help from Markieff Morris and Otto Porter, then the Wizards should do just fine adjusting to their injured players.

Next. Tomas Satoransky has critical year ahead of him. dark

Final Thoughts:

Arguably the biggest underdog heading into the 2019 season, this will be a hard-fought game for the Wizards in Detroit. However, if the Wizards can control the Pistons’ inside game, then Washington should come away with the win.

To stay up to date on all things Wizards this season, be sure to follow Wiz of Awes throughout the season. Tip-off will be at 7:00 p.m. ET and on NBCSWA.

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