Wiz of Awes
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Why the Play In Tournament Matters for the Washington Wizards

By Garrett Brooks

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 25: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards shoots over Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Capital One Arena on February 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 25: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards shoots over Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter at Capital One Arena on February 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Despite falling short of the play in tournament themselves, the Washington Wizards still have stakes in how the tournament unfolds. It was an obviously disappointing season in Washington but a little bit of help from the San Antonio Spurs could be the start of better fortunes for the franchise.

The Spurs will be playing the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, with the loser of the game officially eliminated from the play in tournament. The winner of the game will move on to play the Clippers in a win or go home matchup.

Why it Matters for the Wizards

If there’s too much moving parts, here’s the simple explanation. The Wizards are rooting for the Spurs to win two games in the tournament, which would mean they officially advance to the NBA Playoffs.

By doing so, the Spurs would no longer be a lottery team. That would give the Wizards a bump in their lottery odds as they would jump from the 10th team in the lottery standings up to the 9th team.

If the Spurs get in the playoffs the Wizards go from a 3 percent chance at the number one overall pick to a 4.5 percent chance at the number one overall pick. The real upside is how it would increase their chances at a pick in the top four.

Right now they’d have a 13.9 percent chance to get in the top four. With two Spurs victories they’d go into the lottery with a 20.3 percent chance at a top four selection. Those are the kind of picks that could help them turn things around in rapid fashion.

It would be very lucky but sometimes that’s what is needed. The Wizards are due for a break, many fans would agree. While it’s still possible they get enough good luck in the lottery regardless of the Spurs results, right now increased chances is all they could hope for.

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