Wizards (37-24) at Suns (36-23)
March 7, 2017 at 9:00 PM Talking Stick Resort Arena | Phoenix, AZ TV: CSN Mid-Atlantic Radio: 1500 AM
Last time they met was..
March 1, 2017 - Verizon Center: Wizards 106, Suns 101
What to watch:
The Wizards prepare to be battle-tested.
The Wizards have been relishing with a success that has been unprecedented in recent history. "Recent" as in unless you're in your 40's, you won't recall a season as glorious as the one the Wizards are currently riding in. It's hard to think of the last time the Wizards had this high of odds to reach 50 wins, a feat they haven't reached in nearly 40 years. But with a current record of 37-24, they're just 13 wins away, and it's never been more plausible. They've been healthy, particularly John Wall and Bradley Beal; they've been amazing at home; they are superbly coached.
But as the playoff standings begin to take shape with 21 games left on the schedule, the Wizards are set to embark on a tolling Western road trip starting in Phoenix tonight. While the Suns are far from formidable - they've only won 21 games - they did beat the Celtics a few nights ago at . But outside of the specific matchup, playing five games in six nights on the road is sure to have some sort of inimical effect, and it's the perfect test for the Wizards as they gear up for a playoff run.
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Eric Bledsoe
X-Factor:
Don't let the standings fool you.
Games like tonight's is where things can get fucked up. You look at the standings. You notice the Suns are 21-42. You prematurely chalk it up as a cake walk and a certain win. You fail to consider the Suns have won 3 straight overall and four of their last 5 at home. You don't notice the last team they beat - the Boston Celtics. You end up playing loose and laxed. You become lackadaisical. You surrender a big 3rd quarter run. You're down by 15 going into the 4th. You make one desperate surge to comeback but the damage was done early. You lose a winnable game and a chance to move within one game of the 2-seed. You set a bad tone for the rest of the road trip.
Fun Factor:
The Phoenix Outlaws.
Prediction:
#DeathRowDC outlaws Phoenix.