Regular Season Game 30
Wizards (16-13) at Cavaliers (21-8)
December 17, 2017 at 6:00 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C. TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WAS -2.5
What to Watch: Defense
Wizards are currently sitting at 16-13. Early injuries to starters Markieff Morris and John Wall have been part of the reason for the relatively slow start. However, defense has also been an issue through the first 29 games of the season. Showing up on the defensive end will be a major key to victory against the same Cavaliers team that put up 130 points on the board the last time these two tipped off in early November. After the Clippers game on Friday, Washington has won seven-straight games when they hold opponents under 100 points and 13-1 overall this season.
Key Matchup:
LeBron James vs. Markieff Morris and Kelly Oubre Jr.
LeBron James took full advantage of the national spotlight the last time these two played. “The King” played one of the best games of his NBA career, dropping his second-highest career total with 57 points in the Nation’s Capital.
One key thing to note, Wizards forward Markieff Morris played just 14 minutes in that game. It was Morris’s first game back from his surgery to repair his sports hernia. Since acquiring Morris from the Suns back in February of 2016, Morris has assumed the responsibility of covering James. When asked after the game on November 3rd if he could give the Wizards a better chance at guarding James once he is at full strength, Morris responded with “well yeah”. Fast forward a month and some change later and Morris has his chance to back up his talk.
Moreover, Washington may be without Otto Porter Jr. (hip bruise), which would mean the always confident Oubre gets chance at guarding the best player in the NBA. Porter is officially questionable to play.
X-Factor:
John Wall
John Wall had one of his worst offensive performances when these two teams last tipped off. Wall scored just 13 points in 38 minutes of play, going 4-13 from the field and 5-12 from the free throw line. Despite Wall’s poor performance the Wizards only fell to the Cavs by 8 points. Look for Wall to be the X Factor in this home game against the Cavs. If he plays well on both ends of the floor, the Wizards will give the Cavs a run for their money.
Fun Factor:
Sunday Night Basketball in The District
Christmas is just a short week away. King James and the Cavs are in town. #DCFamily: Sit back, put on something cozy, and enjoy this early Christmas present from the basketball gods.
Prediction:
John Wall is back from his knee injury, Markieff Morris is no longer on a minute restriction, and the Cavs are playing the second night of a back to back. Wizards win a close one at home.