The Washington Wizards are set to return to action on Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In their last matchup, Cleveland absolutely annihilated the Wizards with a 118-87 win in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
If Washington hopes to avoid the same outcome, they'll have to do A LOT differently to steal a win on the road. However, the team is put in an even worse position with the team's injury report continiously adding key players seemingly on a daily basis.
Nonetheless, the players that will be active are paid to give the team a chance to win on a nightly basis regardless of who else is out there. That said, here's a look at who the Wizards will be without when they challenge the Cavaliers on Friday.
Kyle Kuzma, Malcolm Brogdon headline starters who will miss Friday's game
Kyle Kuzma entered the season as the one player it seemed that both the front office and fans could depend on to give the Wizards a chance to win on a nightly basis. And if not a chance to win, he would at least give them a fun offensive performance to watch. However, that hasn't been the case this season as he continues to struggle finding his rhythm as injuries keep piling up for him.
In addition to Kuzma being out of the starting lineup, Malcolm Brogdon will also be listed as out for their battle with the Cavaliers. The veteran guard has served reliable minutes in Washington's backcourt that the team will be without on Friday.
Wizards missing key bench pieces Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert
Kyshawn George has impressed throughout the start of his rookie season. Averaging 7.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, while shooting 33.6% from field goal range, the Miami product has proven to be a versatile player for the Wizards this season. However, they'll be without the 6-foot-8 wing on Friday.
Corey Kispert is another player that Washington will be forced to do without on Friday as he too battles the injury bug. Considering the former Gonzaga standout at times is the Wizards lone offensive boost off the bench, his absence on Friday will be felt.
Tristan Vukcevic rounds out injury re
Tristan Vukcevic rounds out the injury report as the big man continues to battle injuries as his season debut keeps getting pushed back.
Regardless of the injury woes, the Wizards core will have to find a way to win if they hope to turn their season around as the noise continues to build.