Wizards (24-18) vs Nets (16-26)
When: Saturday, January 13th at 7 p.m. Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. TV: NBC Sports Washington / Radio: 1500 AM
Injury:
Wizards: Sheldon Mac (Out, Achilles), Chris McCullough (G-League assignment )
Nets: Jeremy Lin (Out, Knee), D'Angelo Russell (Out, Knee)
Notes -
The Wizards shot 54-95 (.568) from the field in the game, the 14th time this season the team has shot at least 50 percent from the field. Washington is 11-3 in those games.
Games shooting 50+ percent from field, Eastern Conference
Cleveland 18
Washington 14
Indiana 14
Since the beginning of the New Year, John Wall and Bradley Beal have recorded the second-most total games with 25+ points between a pair of teammates in the NBA.
Combined 25-point games, Since Jan. 1
S. Curry, K. Durant 8
B. Beal, J. Wall 7
D. Jordan, L. Williams 7
Wizards -
106.8 - points per game
104.5 - points against
46.5 - Field goal %
Nets -
106.0 - points per game
108.8 - points against
43.7 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
PAYBACK: Washington has dropped two against the Nets including an embarrassing 119-84 loss on December 22nd in which the Wizards trailed by as much as 40 points. In that humbling loss, Washington allowed 66 points in the second half with Rondae Hollis Jefferson leading the way with a near triple double, 21 points (7-15 FG), 11 rebounds and 6 assist. Wall and Beal combined for 14 points on 6 of 26 shooting. Washington is fully aware of their 12-10 record against below 500 teams and if they want to be looked at seriously as a legitimate eastern conference contender, they have to win these games more consistently. Opportunity is there, up to them to seize it. A nice blowout win would go a long way towards getting things back on a winning track.
Control the Boards: Nets rank fourth in the NBA in rebounds (45.6), ninth offensive and third defensive, that's how they wear teams down and grind out wins. Brooklyn out-rebounded the Wizards 60-35 in their blowout win and outscored Washington 48-26 in the paint. In a December 12th 103-98 win over the Wizards, Brooklyn also out-rebounded Washington 53-49. The extra possessions helped the Nets overcome an inefficient offense. For Washington, if they decide to put on their hard hat and dominate the boards, the starters should be sitting to begin the fourth quarter if not sooner. If not, well, history shows the Wizards will be in for an unnecessary grueling fight that favors the opponent.