Daniel Gafford will be key in Washington Wizards game vs the Pelicans

The Washington Wizards are somehow still convinced that they are contenders and are trying to get out of this losing streak rather than just embrace the idea of tanking. This is especially frustrating when looking at some of the generational talent in this upcoming draft.

So, with the idea that the Wizards are trying to win, let’s look at the main key to making that happen against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight.

Daniel Gafford showing up is the only way for the Washington Wizards to compete with NOLA.

The Pelicans are a team featuring a lot of size and dominance in the paint. Even without Zion Williamson on the court, Larry Nance Jr, Jonas Valanciunas, and Jaxson Hayes can overwhelm a team very quickly. The Washington Wizards will need to hold a paint presence to hold them off.

The main man for that job on the Wizards roster is Daniel Gafford, a player recently inserted into the starting lineup. The only big man available who can defend a strong player in the post consistently. He is more of a traditional big man, although still often times is reduced to playing in the dunkers spot off a Kyle Kuzma drive.

Using Gafford’s defense to their advantage may just be the key to slowing the Pelicans’ inside out playstyle. If he can get a hand up and contest or block shots then box out Valanciunas, they should be able to position themselves for a win.

Still, the Wizards have a frustrating knack for losing winnable games. Nearly every game in their ten-game losing streak was a game that they could or even should have won. This means that even if Gafford is able to position the team for a victory, the other guys still need to step up and make big plays.

The Pelicans are a strong team and if the Washington Wizards are able to pull off a victory against them, it may cause some fans to regain some faith in the direction of the franchise.