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Washington Wizards vs Philadelphia 76ers Preview


Wizards 0-0 vs Sixers 0-0

When: Wednesday, December 23rd, at 7p.m.

Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

TV: NBCSWA, NBCSP, NBA League Pass, / Radio: WFED 1500 AM, WPEN

Injury

Wizards: Rui Hachimura (Out/ Bilateral Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis)

Sixers: None



Wizards -

96.6 - points per game

104.0 - points against

42.0 - Field goal %


Sixers -

110.5 - points per game

103.0 - points against

50.0 - field goal %



Keep an eye on:

Filling the void: of Rui Hachimura. Scott Brooks has said throughout the preseason that the three position will fluid as far as who starts there, however, with Hachimura being sidelined for three weeks with bi-lateral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), that will definitely open up more minutes for the rotation of forwards at Brooks disposal. “We’re just going to monitor him day to day,” Scott Brooks said after practice on Monday. “He’s out for some time now. Blurred vision, sensitive to light. Other than that, he’s getting better. It’s just going to take some time. The eye doctor said it’s a severe case and we just have to patient.”


Davis Bertans, who recently signed a 5 year/ $80,000,000 deal, has established himself as one of the top snipers in the league. Bertans averaged a career high 15.4 points and 4.5 rebounds on 42.4 percent from deep during the 19-20 season. The Wizards didn't extend him to sit the bench, so expect a lot of Bertans while Rui is out.


Rookie Deni Avdija has been impressive through all of preseason. The 6'9 forward versatility, I.Q., toughness and skill set has opened eyes and has pushed veteran forwards for not only minutes in the rotation.....but the starting nod as well. He can score from all three levels, rebound, has excellent court vision and is a solid defender. His talent speaks for itself and we know it's a matter of time before he earns the starting spot. For right now, he will be a quality reserve teams will have to account for right away.


Isaac Bonga is still a bit raw with his feel for the game, but his size, length, athleticism, playmaking skills and defensive versatility helps him get on the floor. Bonga is capable of defending three to four positions effectively on the floor, with Philly, bringing a load up front in centers Joel Embiid and Dwight Howard as well as a host of productive forwards like Tobias Harris, Mike Scott, and depending on the match-up, Ben Simmons, so Bonga will be needed to produce early and often.


Controlling Pace: will put the Wizards team defense and offensive chemistry to the test right away. Philly is deeper then a season ago, surrounding franchise cornerstones Joel Embiid,Ben Simmons and quality wing Tobias Harris with battle tested veterans like Seth Curry, Danny Green and Dwight Howard. Philly now has proven shooters to space the floor for Embiid and to create room for Simmons for the first time since JJ Redick was on the team. Philly is big, strong and talented. Washington will need to speed up the pace to counteract Philadelphia's size advantage. Westbrook is a master at playing fast, yet still being productive. However, to truly run Washington will have to defend at a high level and control the boards, which ironically are the two most talked about areas Washington needs to improve in after their poor showing last season. Tonight's game is a battle of styles and whichever team impose their style on the game the best, will open the season with a victory.




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