(Photo: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Regular Season Game 29
Clippers (8-19) at Wizards (15-13)
December 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C. TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
What to Watch: Who Will Guard Lou Williams?
After sinking a tough three point basket that gave Wizards fans a heartbreak this past weekend in Los Angeles, Lou Williams will be a force to be reckoned with. Who will the Wizards use to defend Sweet Lou? Whoever Scott Brooks uses against him has to limit the 35-point damage that he provided against the Wizards without star player Blake Griffin and Patrick Beverley. With John Wall providing a solid performance, such as his unbelievable block against Chander Parsons and the Grizzlies late in the game, he will be able to provide leadership at both ends of the court.
Key Matchup:
Marcin Gortat vs. DeAndre Jordan
Despite being in many recent trade talks, the key match up for this game will be the battle of the veteran centers in DeAndre Jordan and Marcin Gortat. Jordan, who could potentially land with the Wizards is a rebounding machine, averaging 14.2 rebounds a game along with 10.9 points. On the other hand, Marcin Gortat performed well last game against the Grizzlies, scoring 12 points on 70 percent shooting, and 8 rebounds. If Gortat is able to provide solid minutes, limit Jordan from getting his shots, and providing the same stats as he did last game, the Wizards will be able to control the game in the paint.
X-Factor:
Mike Scott
Without a 100% Markieff Morris, the X-Factor is Mike Scott. With Scott being a significant pickup in the off season, Scott has been performing well, especially the last time that these two teams met. Last weekend in LA, Scott put up 22 points on 81% shooting along with 8 rebounds. He looked really comfortable with his mid range shots, as he was providing clutch buckets to keep the Wizards in it. If Mike Scott can provide close to a repeat of that performance, the Wizards will be able to get revenge at home.
Fun Factor:
Better Plan on Late Game Situations?
As much as I would like Marcin Gortat to shoot the ball, he should only take shots that are WAY inside of the three point line or else this happens:
Source: (SB Nation)
Let's not make that same mistake again. This is another reason why I'm glad John Wall is back so that he can be another threat outside of Bradley Beal and Otto Porter Jr. Before all of this happens, I hope we do not have to be in this situation in the first place for this game.
Prediction:
Coming off of a win at home against the Memphis Grizzlies along with wanting to seek revenge in their homecourt this time, look for the Wizards to start the game on attack mode, making sure that they are not putting their foot off of the gas pedal. Their defense and rebounding will spark their offense, it will be John Wall's second game back, and they will feed off of the crowd and win this game against the Clippers to make it 2 wins in a row.