Washington Wizards: How to watch, injury report, and prediction

The Dallas Mavericks will host the Washington Wizards as both teams battle for their third win of the season.

Both the Washington Wizards and the Dallas Mavericks haven’t displayed effective basketball. At least the Mavericks have showed promise for the future.

The focal point for the Mavs has been the rookie, Luka Doncic. He leads the team with 19.4 points per game, which is great for his first year in the league. This guy is going to be something special in a few years.

Washington is coming off a solid victory against the New York Knicks. They finally were able to play team basketball and trusted one another.

Dwight Howard back at center makes a significant difference. It doesn’t always indicate on the stat sheet, but he makes his presence known on the interior. He will be needed as DeAndre Jordan isn’t someone to be taken lightly.

John Wall and Bradley Beal will have their hands full with Dennis Smith Jr. and Wesley Matthews. We’ve all seen how electric Smith can be at any moment and Matthews is a proven veteran.

This will be one of the more exciting matchups to watch this season as both teams are looking to get back on track with a win.

Let’s take a look at the game details below.

Game Info

Game: Washington Wizards vs. Dallas Mavericks

When: Tuesday, November 06

Where: American Airlines Center

TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV, NBATV

Tip-Off Time: 8:30 pm Eastern Time

Injury Report

Wizards: Otto Porter Jr. (Toe Injury-Questionable)

Mavericks: Luke Doncic (Ankle-Probable), Devin Harris (Hamstring-Doubtful)

Projected Starting Lineup

Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Otto Porter Jr., F-Markieff Morris, C-Dwight Howard

Mavericks: G-Dennis Smith Jr., G-Wesley Matthews, F-Luka Doncic, F-Harrison Barnes, C-DeAndre Jordan

Prediction

Defense seems to be optional for both these teams as they rank among the lowest in the league in all defensive categories. The Mavericks are allowing 116.8 points per game while the Wizards are letting opponents score 120.7 points per game.

The rest of their stat lines are pretty similar. And you know the numbers aren’t great since Dallas and Washington both hold 2-7 records.

I’m excited to watch the duel between Howard and Jordan. It will be a physical matchup that will determine who wins the defensive battle for the teams. Jordan is averaging 14.3 rebounds per game and will definitely push Howard to the limit. This will be the first true test of the season for Superman.

Porter’s status is up in the air. We will most likely know around shoot around if he will give it a go or not. Kelly Oubre Jr. will start in his place if Porter can’t suit up. Oubre did a fantastic job defensively against the Knicks and I’m eager to see how he will defend Doncic. Both are young talents looking to make a name for themselves in the league. I anticipate a heated battle between the two, which will be fun to watch.

The backcourt advantage falls to the Wizards with Wall and Beal. They’ve been hot on the offensive end for the majority of the season, but not to great on the other side of the ball.

If Wall can keep his turnovers to a minimum as he did against New York then the Wizards will have a great chance at winning this game. Beal will have his work cut out for him as he takes on Matthews and probably Doncic for part of the game as well.

Dallas’ and Washington’s rosters are both talented and deep, but have failed to live up to expectations thus far. Perhaps not having the leadership of Dirk Nowitzki on the floor has been the difference maker.

Don’t expect this to be a defensive game. This one has a high scoring affair written all over it since  the Mavs and Wiz hate defense.

Regardless, the Wizards will find a way to pull out the victory in Mark Cuban’s house and improve their win streak to two games.

Final Score- DAL-123, WSH-130

To stay up to date on all things Wizards this season, be sure to follow Wiz of Awes throughout the season.