(Photo: AP; Getty Images (2))
Regular Season Game 4
Wizards at Lakers
October 25, 2017 at 10:30 PM Staples Center | Los Angeles, CA TV: ESPN, NBCSN Radio: 1500 AM
What to Watch: Wall Ball
Patrick Beverley, Eric Bledsoe, and Jrue Holiday. With all due respect to those three starting guards, this will be the young rookie Lonzo Ball's first matchup against an opposing superstar point guard. John Wall recently voiced to NBCSN that, “I think his dad put him in a situation where guys are going to target him." And although Wall claimed earlier this week that he doesn't hold Lavar Ball’s shit-talking against Lonzo, since hearing Lavar's recent message to the Wizards, Wall has come out saying that he will show the 19-year-old rookie "no mercy" Wednesday night. Wall is as competitive as they come, look for him to come out aggressive on both ends looking to make a statement on national TV.
Key Matchup:
Bradley Beal vs. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Let's look at a quick tale-of-the-tape:
Beal: 24 years old | 6'5'' | 207 lbs | Offensive Guru
KCP: 24 years old | 6'5'' | 205 lbs | Defensive Specialist
Nearly identical in size and age, the one category that accurately separates these two budding stars are their games on the court. Beal is known for his dead-eye shooting skills while KCP has built a reputation (and his bank account) on being a lock down defender. This should be a treat to watch, unless KCP is given the assignment of taking on the #WallStar.
X-Factor:
Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. are both major keys to success for the Wizards for this game (and just about every game this year, period). Otto has averaged a career best 18.3 PPG in three games thus far this season serving as that third piece to the new “Big 3” in DC. As for Kelly, he has been the Wizards' anchor off the bench, bringing hustle, energy, and scoring to the second unit. Look for these two to shine bright on the national stage up against the Lakers’ overly hyped up wings: Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma.
Fun Factor:
La La Land
The Wizards are looking to establish themselves as the new beasts in the East and although the Lakers are not a top dog out West, this game will be nationally televised on ESPN from the city of Angels. Look for the Wizards to bring their A-game while performing under the bright lights surrounded by A-list celebrities.
Prediction:
Wizards improve to 4-0. John Wall notches his first triple-double of the year and leads his team to a convincing victory over the young Laker team.