(Photo: Rocky Widner/Getty Images)
Regular Season Game 13
Kings (3-9) at Wizards (7-5)
November 13, 2017 at 7 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C. TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WSH -11.5
What to Watch: Player Experiences for Each Team
If you really think about it, the Kings are basically trying to rebuild into a poor man’s Memphis Grizzlies, with Dave Joerger back at the helm and having players such as Zach Randolph, Vince Carter, and George Hill – blue-collar players that will mentor a young Kings team throughout the season. Compare that to the Wizards’ roster, who has had the same starting five since I was in high school (not really, but you get the picture), which means their team chemistry is solid granted that they have revamped their bench with the additions of Tim Frazier, Jodie Meeks, and Mike Scott.
Key Matchup:
De'Aaron Fox vs. John Wall
John Calipari must be a very proud man and coach and should watch this match up since De’Aaron Fox and John Wall have been Calipari’s quickest guards that he coached at Kentucky. Fox is slowly getting used to the NBA pace and adding a clutch gene considering he is the youngest player in the last five seasons to make a game-winning field goal in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter or overtime. Expect John Wall to provide a solid performance on defense against Fox.
X-Factor:
Jodie Meeks
Meeks is one of the best shooters in the league today. His jump shot is real pure along with his player efficiency rating at 10.9. He, Mike Scott, and Kelly Oubre Jr. lead the Wizards’ bench in scoring. Look for Meeks to energize the bench by shooting his threes and provide leadership and experience to the rest of the Wizards’ bench.
Fun Factor:
Home and Home Ahead
After this game, they fly down to Florida to play against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 15th, then play them again in D.C. on Friday, November 17th. I wonder if the NBA books the two teams together. Imagine if they used Southwest – who would get the A seats, and who will get the B seats? Priority seating could play a factor back in D.C.
Prediction:
Similar to how Washington whooped the Kings in Sacramento, two weeks ago, the Wizards will take care of business to finish this home stand 3-1 and begin another three-game winning streak as they did to begin the year.