Wizards 0-1 vs Heat 0-2
When: Friday, October 5, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington / FSSUN/ Radio: 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Out, Back)
Miami: Bam Adebayo (Doubtful, Shoulder), Derrick Jones Jr(Out, Shoulder), Marcus Lee (Out, Knee), Josh Richardson (Game time decision, Thigh), James Johnson (Out, Hernia), Wayne Ellington (Doubtful, Ankle), Dion Waiters (Out, Knee)
Notes –
Dwight Howard (Back) after going through individual work with the coaching staff on Tuesday sat out practice Thursday.
Wizards -
121.0 - points per game
124.0 - points against
41.2 - Field goal %
Heat -
106.5 - points per game
113.0 - points against
39.2 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Defense: Last season was the teams Achilles heel and in an overtime loss to the Knicks on Monday night, the issues continued. Washington allowed 124 points on 44 percent shooting from three point range. Although its preseason and it’s a lot of experimenting going on, Scott Brooks expressed concern over the defensive intensity, especially citing the overtime period where the Wizards allowed 16 points. Pay attention to the intensity on this end against an always tough Miami team.
Rookie More minutes for Rookies/Two-Way players –Troy Brown Jr Rookie , Devin Robinson and Jordan McRae all made an impact against the Knicks in Washington’s first preseason game. Although his shot didn’t fall, Brown Jr showed his promising potential with some flashy play-making that made me say he has Penny Hardaway symptoms. At 6’7 and the athleticism and all around skill, Brown Jr has the talent to be a force in the years to come as he learns the NBA.
Robinson, a bouncy forward that spent most of last season in the G-league looks ready to make an impact if his number is called. Against New York, Robinson posted an efficient 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assist in 17 minutes of action. He has a good motor and understand his role, combine that with his improving skill set and you see a young player with the tools to be a walking double double. Yet, that’s not all. Robinson is also a capable defender. He can defend bigs due to his leaping and shot blocking ability while also being agile enough to defend well on the perimeter. His ceiling is high and one player fans should take note of and watch closely.
Jordan McRae has been impressive since camp started. He’s emerged as one of the best two way players on the Wizards rosters. He can score and defend well. Former Tennessee Vol scored 14 points in 13 minutes against the Knicks, routinely using his elite explosion to get in the lane to score and get to the line. He’s on a two-way contract but don’t be surprised if he sticks with the Wizards as the season progresses.
Watch for possible debuts from undrafted rookies Chris Chiozza, a first team All SEC point guard out of Florida and Tiwian Kendley, a first team All MEAC guard out of Morgan State tonight as well.
