Wizard’s 19-26 vs Pistons 20-25
When: Monday, January 21st, at 2 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington, FSD / Radio: 1500 AM, 97.1 FM The Ticket
Injury
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Day to Day/ Back), John Wall (Out for the season/ Haglund’s deformity and chronic Achilles tendon injury), Markieff Morris (Day to Day/ Stinger,Neck Stiffness),
Pistons: Andre Drummond – (Out/ Concussion), Ish Smith (Questionable, Groin)
Wizards -
113.2 - points per game
116.5 - points against
46.5 - Field goal %
Pistons -
106.6 - points per game
109.1 - points against
43.5 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Wizards Three Point Shooting – It’s no secret that Washington has struggled shooting the three for most of the season despite a recent flourish over the last 10 or so games. The Wizards rank 25th in the NBA shooting 33 percent from deep. They can’t afford to continue this lack of shooting tonight against the Pistons. Detroit is the best in the league at defending the three. The Pistons hold opponents to 32 percent shooting AND hold opponents to 27.9 attempts per game, both are tops in the league. Detroit does an excellent job of running teams off the three point line and rotating to contest shots. All this means is the Wizards will have to be aggressive take it inside and shooting from mid-range, the opportunities are proven to be there. Detroit allows 47 percent shooting from the field (25th in the NBA) and 25 free throw attempts (23rd in the NBA) per game. As stated, the opportunities will be there for Washington, they have to capitalize.
Brad Beal All Around Leadership - Beal is having a career year in every way. Beal is averaging 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.8 assist and 1.3 steals per game on 47 percent shooting from the field, 35 percent shooting from deep and 78 percent from the line. He’s in a zone very few guards are at right now. Add in his improved defense (which should be getting All NBA consideration if he continues to be consistent), where he is accepting the challenge of defending the other team’s top guard and he’s setting a high standard that all of his teammates must meet. And it’s something Beal must continue to do if Washington is to make the playoffs.
