Washington Wizards: Wizards head to Los Angeles in desperate need of a win
The Washington Wizards head to the Staples Center to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. Will the Washington be able to turn around from it’s recent woes?
It’s no secret that the Washington Wizards look terrible this season. They are coming off a recent loss to the Sacramento Kings, 116-112. In a game where they should have taken care of business they dropped the ball.
The Los Angeles Clippers have no standout superstar, but have a plethora of talent and are well coached by Doc Rivers. Speaking of Rivers, this will be a father vs. son matchup since Austin Rivers is in town. This could make the game more exciting, but it won’t since Rivers has played abysmal is his time with Washington thus far. It’s been frustrating watching him play.
It will also be interesting to see how the former Wizards center, Marcin Gortat, reacts in this affair. It was clear that Gortat didn’t get along with John Wall during his final days, which helped lead to the trade. Like Rivers, Gortat hasn’t been anything productive, scoring 3.6 points, averaging 6.4 rebounds, and getting 16.8 minutes per game.
The Wizards are in the final stretch of their 10-day road trip and need to finish strong. Scott Brooks has been receiving heat for the team’s play, which is well earned. All the talent in the world and Washington hasn’t come close to living up to their true potential.
Let’s check out the details for tonight’s game in the city of angels.
Game Info
Game: Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Clippers
When: Wednesday, October 28
Where: Staples Center
TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV
Tip-Off Time: 9:30 pm Eastern Time
Injury Report
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Gluteal Soreness-Out), Markieff Morris (Flu-Questionable)
Clippers: Luc Mbah A Moute (Knee-Questionable)
Projected Starting Lineup
Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Otto Porter Jr., F-Markieff Morris, C-Ian Mahinmi
Kings: G-Patrick Beverly, G-Avery Bradley, F-Tobias Harris, F-Danilo Gallinari, C-Marcin Gortat
Prediction
As a team, Washington has yet to sync. Everyone seems to be on their own agendas and not concerned about being a unit. People are focusing on what they do individually, especially on the defensive end.
The Wizards are allowing 122.8 points to their opponents and look dysfunctional while doing so. No one is helping each another on defensive shifts, rebounding, and verbal communication.
On the offensive end, the team is scoring an average of 116.8 points per game. You can do the math for yourselves, but those numbers won’t equal wins going forward. Something needs to change.
On the other hand, the Clippers have clicked, which is surprising. A lot of new faces and personalities in that locker room, but they’ve come together quicker that anticipated. Their roster is a bunch of role players looking to do anything necessary in order to be victorious. If only the Wizards had that mentality.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has been a bright spot for the Wizards off the bench averaging 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds. He’s been the only player that’s helped out Wall and Beal.
I’m concerned with Washington’s play. It’s got all sorts of questions dancing around in my head.
Is Scott Brooks the right coach? Should the team consider trading Otto Porter Jr. sooner than later?
Of course this is a little to soon to evaluate, but I’m almost certain that I’m not the only person thinking this way.
Related Story. Washington Wizards: Austin Rivers has been a disappointment this season. light
Unfortunately I don’t see the Wizards going into the Staples Center and stealing a victory. The Clippers will take care of business. Until Washington figures out how to be play together, they will continue struggling on a nightly basis.
Final Score: LAC-112, WSH-106
To stay up to date on all things Wizards this season, be sure to follow Wiz of Awes throughout the season.