All you need to know about the Wizards preseason opener tonight
By Cem Yolbulan
The time we have all been waiting for is here. After six months since we last saw them, the Washington Wizards play basketball today as they open their season with a preseason game against the Cairns Taipans of the Australian National Basketball League.
This is the first of four preseason games the Wizards will play until they officially start the regular season on October 25th at Indiana against the Pacers.
The preseason games are an excellent opportunity for young players to get extended minutes to earn a regular rotation role. Teams usually play all of their players on their training camp roster, including ones who are on two-way or Exhibit 10 contracts. This gives them a chance to see who is ready for a bigger role or who gets the last spot on the final roster.
The Wizards should be no different. Starters will play fewer minutes than their regular workload, likely sitting out in the second half to make way for players lower on the hierarchy. It should still offer a glimpse into how the rotations will shake out in the regular season.
Who is available to play?
Daniel Gafford and Landry Shamet were initially ruled out because of their injuries. Gafford was a full participant in the last practice, so his availability is uncertain. Everyone else on the training camp roster, however, is good to go.
Who is going to start?
Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, and Kyle Kuzma are almost certainly going to start. There is a battle for who is going to start at small forward with candidates being Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, and Bilal Coulibaly.
If Gafford is fully healthy, he should get the nod at center. Otherwise, Mike Muscala or Danilo Gallinari will presumably start in his stead.
When is the game?
The game is at 7 p.m. EST.
Where is the game?
The game is at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.
How can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Monumental Sports Network if you are in the area. It will also be available on NBA League Pass.
