Preview: Rookies will rule in Washington Wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies

Admiral Schofield

While Rui Hachimura gets almost all of the rookie buzz for the Wizards, second-round pick Admiral Schofield will play a crucial role against Memphis. With both Thomas Bryant and Moritz Wagner out for this game, Schofield will be a much-needed “big body” for small lineups.

Schofield hasn’t quite put it all together on the NBA stage yet, but he’s been excelling with the Capital City Go-Go (17.5 points, 5.2 rebounds per game), and has filled in nicely when needed. With the recent bevy of injuries, Schofield has found himself traveling back and forth between the two teams quite a bit in recent weeks.

Given their injury situation, the Wizards will have to go small against Memphis. Ian Mahinmi is the only player on the team listed above 6’10”, and his knack for getting into foul trouble could limit his availability. Look for Schofield, an active and solid-bodied defender (6’5″, 241 lbs),  to anchor some small-ball lineups for Brooks while the Wizards are in a pinch. Can he finally translate some of that G-League success to the main stage?

Schofield isn’t the only Go-Go player to get called up for this game. Justin Robinson will be available to help run the point with IT still injured. Plus, Garrison Matthews has also been called up to add some depth on the wing as both Jordan McRae and C.J. Miles will be out. After getting some playing time in the first two games of the season, Matthews has not seen the court for the Wizards since.