Wizards 5-10 vs Blazers 10-5
When: Sunday, November 18, at 6p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington / Radio: 1500 AM, Rip City Radio 620
Injury
Wizards: None
Blazers: Seth Curry (Day to Day/ Knee), Maurice Harkless ( Day to Day/ Left Knee Soreness)
Wizards -
111.1 - points per game
116.7 - points against
45.3 - Field goal %
Blazers -
114.6 - points per game
107.9 - points against
46.0 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Wall/ Beal vs Lillard/ McCollum: It’s no secret that the success to both teams begin and end with their all-star caliber backcourts. In their first meeting back in October, Washington prevailed in overtime 125-124. While Wall and Lillard went at it all night, Beal won his battle with CJ McCollum, posting 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assist to McCollum’s 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assist on 5-25 shooting. Knowing how competitive McCollum is it’s not crazy to assume that he remembers that and is looking to return the favor Sunday afternoon. Wall and Beal should have a chip on their shoulder after allowing nearly 50 points from the Nets backcourt of D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie on 50 and 61 percent shooting respectively. Expect a competitive battle in the back court with both teams being aware that whoever wins this battle, wins the game.
Porter/ Morris Impact: To get out this hole Washington needs everybody to play to their potential. Otto Porter Jr and Markieff Morris as of late have failed to do so including an almost nonexistent outing in a loss to Brooklyn Friday. In the loss, Porter Jr and Morris combined for 13 points and 8 rebounds on 33 percent shooting while allowing Joe Harris and Jared Dudley to combine for 14 points and 8 rebounds. That can’t happen. Morris and Porter Jr numbers are down across the board, part of that is due to having more depth, although that depth shouldn’t affect defensive impact and intangibles while they’re on the floor. Are they the total blame for the Wizards below average start to the season? Of course not, however, being veterans and understanding what’s at stake this season within the team, they have to take their share of criticism. Watch closely their match-up against Layman and Aminu. It will be key to who leaves the court victorious. When Porter Jr and Morris perform up to their capabilities, Washington is very difficult to beat. They have to be more consistent if the Wizards are to make any noise as the season progress.
