Wizards 27-39 vs Kings 33-32
When: Monday, March 11th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
TV: NBCSWA, NBCSCA / Radio: 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Day to Day/ Back), John Wall (Out for the season/ Haglund’s deformity and chronic Achilles tendon injury)
Kings: Marvin Bagley ( Doubtful/ Left Knee Sprain)
Wizards -
114.5 - points per game
117.2 - points against
47.0 - Field goal %
Kings -
113.6 - points per game
114.7 - points against
46.2 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
DeAaron Fox/Buddy Hield: Fox, a one man fast break has taken a huge leap in his second season in the NBA while backcourt mate Buddy Hield, has emerged as one of the most efficient scorers around. Together they form one of the most lethal backcourts in the league. Fox as a rookie averaged 11.6 points, 4.4 assist and 2.3 rebounds on 41 percent shooting from the field, 30 percent shooting from deep and 72 percent shooting from the charity stripe, this season, it’s been a totally different De’Aaron Fox, posting 17.4 points (46% FG/ 37% 3FG/ 72% FT), 7.2 assist, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He’s becoming one of the best all-around point guards in the game due to his impact on both ends and his leadership. Although, he’s not alone, with Buddy Hield making a nearly as impressive leap this season. Hield is averaging 21 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assist on 46 percent shooting from the field, 43 percent from 3-point range (4th in the NBA) and 87 percent from the line. Washington will have to be on their A game defensively to contain these two or it will be a long night and ultimately another L in the loss column.
Three Point Shooting: Washington have had their issues defending the three throughout the season and Monday evening will pose one of the biggest 3-point shooting threats they will face when Sacramento takes the floor. The Kings, led by Hield’s 43 percent shooting, have eight players who shoot 34 percent or better from deep. As a team, the Kings are fifth in the NBA in three point shooting at 37 percent. And if that’s not enough of a problem, Sacramento aren’t a typical undisciplined shooting bunch, they execute well and get quality shots, only attempting 30 three pointers a game which is 22nd in the NBA. The Kings keep the pressure on defenses with efficient ball movement and shooting. The Wizards must communicate and be active on close outs or they will witness an onslaught of dead eye shooting from a hungry Kings team.
