(Photo: Washington Wizards)
Regular Season Game 7
Wizards (4-2) at Suns (3-4)
November 1, 2017 at 7 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C. TV: NBCSN Radio: 1500 AM
What to Watch: Rewarding The Home Crowd
Last season, the Washington Wizards got off to a slow 2-8 start and it was not until their 17-game home winning streak that then Verizon Center started to feel like a legitimate home court advantage. The Wizards have done well to defend their court well so far this year, but they have to avoid that mood souring by taking care of business against Phoenix before a much anticipated Cavs matchup on Friday.
Key Matchup:
Bradley Beal vs. Devin Booker
Without Eric Bledsoe, the young shooting guard is certainly the most talented player on the rebuilding Suns team by averaging 20.5 points and 4.3 assists. Beal prides himself on his defense, but will have a tough task against one of the best pure shooters in the game. The Kentucky product had 19 points in the first half in the Suns last game against the Nets.
X-Factor:
Independent Physician
Although it has nothing to do with the Wizards-Suns game, Washington will attempt to have Markieff Morris pass a physical from an independent NBA doctor in order for the power forward to serve his one-game suspension for coming off of the bench during the Bradley Beal-Draymond Green fight. Morris underwent a full 5-on-5 practice on Tuesday and he told reporters his legs were "heavy" after, but if he is able to pass his physical, his return will come exactly 6 weeks after his surgery against LeBron James and Cleveland.
Fun Factor:
Dysfuntion
Remember how Keef was supposedly the cause for all of the turmoil in Phoenix? He certainly does. Less than two years after he was traded to Washington, the Suns are still a mess as they fired head coach Earl Watson just a few games into the season after their point guard, Bledsoe, said he did not want to be with the organization resulting .
Prediction:
There is a reason why the Wizards are 13 point favorites. They will win, but maybe after a sluggish first half that requires a fire to be lit by Scott Brooks out halftime. Phoenix will certainly fade away in the second half once feeling the effects of back-to-back games.