Wizards compete in a Magic-al tank-off that could shake up the standings

With neither the Washington Wizards nor the Orlando Magic really being within reach of the Play-In Tournament, they should both be looking at the tank standings. This reveals some interesting implications for their upcoming matchup that could shake up the bottom of the standings and see somebody new enter the top five odds for Victor Wembanyama.

While neither team have any chance at catching the Detroit Pistons who have an incredible 16 and 18 game lead in the tank standings over these two teams, they can still try to lessen their odds of a non-top-five pick. Both teams are currently set to be in the top eight is nothing changes.

However, with how close the standings are in the five to ten range, one game could change who potentially gets the top pick. Interestingly enough, the Wizards are only separated from the Magic by two games. Something that would catch fans of both teams completely off guard.

If the Wizards win, it will change very little. If the Wizards lose, it will change the standings drastically. The Portland Trailblazers are currently tied with the Magic for the fifth worst record in the league, if the Magic win, then they will own that position outright. On top of that fact, it would mean that the Wizards and Magic are only separated by a single game, meaning that the Wiz could move up even further in the Wembanyama sweepstakes.

How could this affect the game for the Washington Wizards?

This matchup will come down to how badly the Wizards actually want to tank. They could sit the big three of Kristaps Porzingis, Bradley Beal, and Kyle Kuzma for the final eight games of the season and be set with great odds at the top pick and be guaranteed a great selection. They could also decide that they want to win out the rest of the season and tank any odds of getting a quality pick to guide them from their endless pit of mediocrity.

Of course, Beal and Kuzma are already likely missing this game due to injury, but it’s possible that head coach Wes Unseld Jr decides to rest Porzingis as well.

Of course, the Magic are going to play their entire young unit led by the forward duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They have no reason to rest any of their players as they have a young squad and need to focus on development.

This is sure to be an incredible tank off. The Washington Wizards should definitely want to lose this game as it could cause them to see greatly improved odds at landing a generational prospect.