The Wizards (19-26) are coming off an impressive win in Madison Square Garden over the Knicks earlier this week and tonight turn their attention to a young, up-and-coming Magic squad (17-28) in Washington, DC Here’s everything you need to know.
WHERE: Capital One Arena (Washington, DC)
WHEN: 7:00 pm ET
TV: NBC Sports Washington
RADIO: The Team 980 & The Wizards App
Bradley Beal returned to the court on Wednesday night after a five-game absence due to a hamstring strain, and he didn’t miss a beat. He scored on the first possession of the game in classic Beal fashion. Despite only playing 29 minutes, he helped keep the Wizards’ offense humming. He scored 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, 1-of-1 shooting from deep, and 3-of-3 shooting from the free throw line to go along with four assists and four rebounds. It was an impressive, efficient, all-around offensive performance from Beal, who didn’t look a bit rusty.
When Beal is on the court, he takes pressure off Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. He gives those guys room to work and vice versa. For the Wizards’ offense to operate at the level it’s capable of, they need Beal on the court playing at an All-Star level. Wizards fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
DEFENDING THE MAGIC’S VERSATILITY
The Magic have one of the most unique and versatile lineups in the NBA. Led by two 6-foot-10 creators in rookie sensation Paolo Banchero and second-year star Franz Wagner, they’re nearly impossible to match up with. Both of those guys can initiate a pick-and-roll, score in isolation, and create plays for teammates. They both have guard skills in big-man bodies.
Outside of Banchero and Wagner, Orlando also has multiple centers that can stretch the floor. Wendell Carter Jr. is a versatile, do-it-all five man and Bol Bol is an utter enigma. Nobody at his size (7’2″) can do the things he can do with the ball.
Orlando is still trying to figure everything out. They’re not perfect, but they’re young, they’re talented, and they play hard. Making smart and timely rotations on defense will be key, as they’re too tough to match up with one-on-one.
Now that the Wizards are fully healthy, not only do they have a complete starting unit, but head coach Wes Unseld Jr. also has a full bench rotation at his disposal. That means Deni Avdija, Rui Hachimura, Delon Wright, and Corey Kispert will all be able to impose their will going against the Magic’s second unit, instead of being thrust into a starting role.
Avdija and Wright both have the ability to change the flow of the game with their impact on the defensive end of the floor, while Hachimura and Kispert can both fill up the scoring column in a hurry. All four of those guys are luxuries to have when the starters are on the bench and will be crucial in coming away with a win over a Magic team on the second night of a back-to-back.