As the Washington Wizards embark on a two-game road trip with stops in Toronto and Minneapolis, fans around the league begin to prepare for the long-awaited 2024 NBA playoffs. Unfortunately for Wizards fans, the club will be absent from the playoffs for a third consecutive season.
The Wizards have just four games remaining on their 2023-24 regular season schedule, meaning fans in the District will have just a few more opportunities to see this team in action before what is shaping up to be a busy offseason for Washington. Despite their record, there is still plenty of quality basketball to be on the lookout for in D.C.
Coming down the home stretch, the Wizards are sure to experiment with new rotations and prospects. These are the top three things to watch and root for in the closing games of the season for Washington, as well as three things to be cautious of.
Root FOR: More Tristan Vukcevic minutes
Since being bought out of his contract with Partizan Belgrade by the Wizards in March, rookie center Tristan Vukcevic has been nothing short of spectacular for Washington. The seven-footer earned a pair of starts last week after a strong showing in 31 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game over his previous three games.
Vukcevic has quickly showcased his three-point shooting ability on the offensive end and has won the respect of many fans in the District with his determination to hustle back on defense. Going forward, Wizards fans should look for the team's 2023 second-round pick to continue making an impact down the stretch.
Root AGAINST: Detroit Pistons opponents
As things stand prior to tip-off on Sunday, the Wizards are two games ahead of the Detroit Pistons in the NBA standings. Although the odds of winning the number one pick in the NBA Draft lottery are even between the Wizards and the Pistons, as the league's worst team, the Pistons are unable to draw a pick any worse than fifth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Like the Wizards, the Pistons have just four games remaining on their schedule, including matchups with the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks. For Washington fans hoping to obtain the top-five pick security that comes with finishing at the very bottom of the league standings, the Pistons will have to win more often than not during the season's closing week.