(Photo: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
Regular Season Game 2
Wizards at Nuggets
October 23, 2017 at 9:00 PM Pepsi Center | Denver, CO TV: NBCSN Radio: 1500 AM
What to Watch:
Can the defense step up?
The Wizards have allowed at least 30 points to the opposition in five of eight total quarters this season. At the end of Monday night, there will at least be 12 more quarters. They have a chance to fix these defensive end miscues against a team that is ranked 27th in the league in team points per game (96). I'm not too concerned with the way the defense has played the last two games because I know it's early. That was also my mindset when they were 2-8 a year ago, that it was still early,
Key Matchup:
Otto Porter Jr. vs. Paul Millsap
This one will come down to the big guys. Even though he is on a new team, Millsap might still be holding a grudge on the Wizards after their MMA style dominance over him and the Hawks. Millsap is second on the team in scoring at 18.5 points per game.
Otto Porter is third on the Wizards in scoring with 19 points per game. The two players ahead of him, it's not rocket science: John Wall and Bradley Beal. Otto also averages the second-most rebounds per game at 8.5. He looks to have a big night on the boards and contain Millsap.
X-Factor:
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre has been a blue collared type of player ever since he stepped on the hardwood two years ago. After his stellar play the last couple games and overall improvement in just this calendar year, the Wizards decided to keep him for the fourth year of his rookie contract. Last year, he averaged 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game. In the season opening game, he even had a big dunk that sealed the Wizards' momentum. And he looked like a man possessed.
Now that he has earned the trust of the Wizards brass, I think he'll have a big game.
Fun Factor:
It's a #DCSports doubleheader as the Redskins play the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Both contests are likely to end at the same time and it's always a good night in Washington when both the football team and the basketball squad win. I know Neil and Joe (who also cover the Redskins) would agree.
Prediction:
We see a much more complete 48-minute game compared to the first two contests. Wizards win big.