Washington Wizards: Wizards head to Cleveland seeking 4th straight win
The Washington Wizards will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night in search of their fourth consecutive victory.
The Washington Wizards have been very successful the last three games even though none of the teams have been above .500. Despite this, the team’s chemistry has improved and so has their team oriented play.
The Cleveland Cavaliers sit at 5-20, which is tied for last place in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs have demonstrated that they are filled with with youth and inexperience. Hence, why they’ve started shipping off their veterans.
Yesterday, the Wizards, Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks completed a 3-team trade that sent Sam Dekker to Washington, Jason Smith, cash considerations, and George Hill to Milwaukee, and a 2022 second round draft pick along Matthew Dellavedova to Cleveland.
Small, but subtle move by Ernie Grunfeld. Washington can off-load Smith’s contract and move on from the unproductive big man.
Enough about that, let’s take a look at tonight’s matchup.
Game Info
Game: Washington Wizards vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
When: Saturday, December 8
Where: Quicken Loans Arena
TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV
Tip-Off Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Injury Report
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Lumbar microdisectomy procedure-Out), Jeff Green (Lower Back Soreness-Questionable)
Cavs: Kevin Love (Left Foot-Out), David Nwaba (Right Knee-Out), J.R. Smith (Not with the team), Rodney Hood (Foot-questionable)
Projected Starting Lineup
Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Tomas Satoransky, F-Otto Porter, C-Thomas Bryant
Cavs: G-Collin Sexton, G-Rodney Hood, F-Cedi Osman, F-Larry Nance Jr., C-Tristan Thompson
Prediction
The Wizards have won 9 out of their last 14 games and rank 10th in the NBA in offensive rating (109.9). On top of this, they rank third in opponent turnovers (17.0) and fifth in AST/TO ratio (1.89). Hopefully the team can continue this type of play to make a push for a higher seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the first meeting, the Wizards won 119-95 and controlled the entire game. However, Washington can’t overlook the Cavs young roster. They’ve been competitive lately as they recently beat the Houston Rockets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
It can’t be overstated what a great move it was by Scott Brooks to insert Tomas Satoransky into the starting lineup. The Wizards has been undefeated since this happened. He’s the ultimate role play that’s done whatever the team has need him too.
As long as Washington can contain Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson then this won’t really be a game. John Wall will be back in action tonight, which will make Sexton have his work cut out for him.
Must Read. Washington Wizards: The Wizards need to trade John Wall to the Lakers. light
Washington Wizards get the victory by double digits or more.
Final Score- CLE-99, WSH-115
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