The Washington Wizards are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night in the second night of a back-to-back.
Coming fresh off a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, Washington's squad will likely be eager to get back on the floor and put together a more honorable performance against the Timberwolves.
Nonetheless, sitting at the bottom of the NBA with a league-worst 6-31 record, the Wizards have little desire to win as the team continues to chase the No. 1 overall pick as the regular season continues to unfold. Nonetheless, with just a little over half the season remaining, the Wizards will prioritize the development of their young squad moving forward.
That said, here's 3 things to watch in Monday's matchup as the Timberwolves come into town to challenge the Wizards.
Could Kyle Kuzma be a fit in Minnesota?
Kyle Kuzma's situation in Washington continues to be monitored as the forward's future with the Wizards seems to be up in the air. Amid the worst season of his career, the veteran has visibly regressed this season as injuries continue to plague his impact on the court.
With multiple contending team's rumored to be interested in the Utah product, it could be worth watching to see if Minnesota could be a squad that may benefit from a trade for Kuzma.
The Timberwolves landed Julius Randle and Donte DiVicenzo in the offseason in a blockbuster deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. As Minnesota continues to explore ways to build a championship contender around Anthony Edwards, could they be in line to make another deal with to land Kuzma if they see a potential fit with the 29-year-old?
Can Jared Butler step up to the challenge with Malcolm Brogdon ruled out?
Jared Butler has emerged as a surprise player for the Wizards over the last week as Washington deals with injuries. On Sunday against the Thunder, Butler saw a cut in his minutes as Brian Keefe's squad struggled to find any production from anyone on their roster outside of Corey Kispert
However, with Malcolm Brogdon ruled out against the Timberwolves, Butler could be in store for increased minutes with a chance to capitalize on the opportunity like he has the past few games.
Alex Sarr vs. Rudy Gobert
Alex Sarr enters this matchup set to go head-to-head against one of the best defensive big men in the leauge in Rudy Gobert. Not only are the two centers both exceptional defenders, but the two French products have history together as they've represented France on multiple occasions.
In a battle that could mean more for each player, the frontcourt dual between Sarr and Gobert could be one to watch.