Wizards 5-23 vs Magic 17-11
When: Tuesday, December 26th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV: NBCSWA, Bally Sports Florida
Radio: The Team 980 AM/ WFED 1500 AM, WYGM 96.9FM, 740AM
Injury:
Wizards: Delon Wright (Out, Left Knee), Johnny Davis (Out, Calf), Johnny Davis (Out,Calf)
Magic: Markelle Fultz (Out, Knee), Kevon Harris (Out, Coach's Decision), Joe Ingles (Day to Day, Ankle), Jalen Suggs (Day to Day, Wrist)
Keep an eye on:
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner: is one of the top duo's in the NBA already....at age 21 and 22 respectively. With both being 6'10 and capable of playing any position between the 1-4, they pose MANY problems for ANY team. Banchero comes in averaging 21.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1 steal on 47 percent from the field, 38.3 percent from deep and just under 70 percent from the free throw line. Wagner brings averages of 20.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 45 percent from the field and 84 percent from the charity stripe.
Wizards forwards Kyle Kuzma and Deni Avdija has their work cut out for them on BOTH ends and will need to be impactful, especially defensively, if Washington is to get back on the winning track.
Taking care of the ball: is HUGE in this contest against Orlando. The Magic comes in 4th in the NBA in steals per game, taking home 8.3 thefts per game. Washington comes in 17th in the NBA in turnovers with 13.8 turnovers per game. Something will have to give. Orlando has a long, athletic, tall team with depth and they stay in the passing lanes. Washington's primary ball handlers, Tyus Jones, Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole must be careful with their decision making and with the type of passes they throw against a Orlando Magic defense that ranks 3rd in defensive rating at 110.8.