The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a two-game winning streak as the team heads on the road for a battle with the Miami Heat.
Unlike the Wizards, Miami entered the season with high expectations and hopes of contending for an NBA Championship come June. However, through the first week of the season, the Heat sit at 2-2 as they continue to work out the kinks in their new-look lineup with the addition of Demar DeRozan.
Entering this matchup, each team will be entering this matchup desperately looking to grab the win with their sights set on getting over the .500 mark.
That said, here’s a look at some key matchups that ultimately could decide a winner of tonight’s showdown.
Bilal Coulibaly vs. Miami’s best offensive players
Bilal Coulibaly has proved over the last few games that he’s ready to take on the challenge of defending the opposing team’s best player every night. The guard has embraced it and he’s risen to the occasion in each of his matchups to start the year. However, against the Heat, Coulibaly could be forced to defend several players.
The Heat offer challenges all over the court, from Terry Rozier’s offensive creativity to Tyler Herro's tough-shot making, and Jimmy Butler’s late-game heroics. Considering Coulibaly’s length and versatility defensively, he likely will find himself in a position guarding all of the Heat’s best players throughout the night.
If he can slow down their offensive weapons, while performing on offense like he has been, the Wizards pose a good chance to upset the Eastern Conference contenders.
Jordan Poole vs. Terry Rozier
Jordan Poole has led the Wizards all season long as he’s seized the opportunity of an increased role and primary ball-handling duties from head coach Brian Keefe. The Michigan product is averaging 22.5 points, six assists, and 1.5 rebounds on 46.7% shooting from field goal range, and 57.1% from three.
In a matchup against Rozier who has a similar play style to Poole, it will be interesting to see which guard gets the best of who. That said, the winner of this battle will put their respective team in a position to steal the win.
Wizards frontcourt vs. Heat frontcourt
The Wizards will have their hands full with Miami’s versatile frontcourt led by Bam Adebayo. The Kentucky product can serve as a ball handler, and pass with the best of them and his confidence in his jump shot makes him a threat outside of the mid-range game now.
Through the first week, Adebayo has struggled and the Wizards have to take advantage of that and make it hard for the big man to find a rhythm. They’ll likely turn to Kyle Kuzma and Alex Sarr to split the assignment, throwing different coverages to make life tough on Adebayo.
If the Wizards can win these key matchups, they have a solid chance to extend their winning streak and gain momentum and confidence.