Regular Season Game 32
Wizards (17-14) at Nets (11-19)
December 22, 2017 at 7:30 PM Barclays Center | Brooklyn, NY
TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WSH -5.0
What to Watch: Wizards Playing Down To Competition
The 2017-18 campaign for the Washington Wizards has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride thus far. The lack of consistency in the team’s play has been an underlying issue. The Wizards have struggled with playing down to level of competition which has cost them bad losses to teams such as the Mavericks, the Suns, the Lakers, the Hornets, the Clippers, and the Nets. If the Wizards play the level of basketball that we expect Friday night, this should be an easy win on the road against the Nets.
Key Matchup:
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson vs. Washington Defense
(KATHY WILLENS/AP)
Hollis-Jefferson has been the “diamond in the rough” for the 11-19 Brooklyn Nets this season. Jefferson has seen his averages go up across the board during his third season in Brooklyn. The last time these two teams played on December 12, the 22-year-old product from the University of Arizona put up a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Most importantly, Jefferson led the Nets to a victory against the Wall-less Wizards.
X-Factor:
Mike Scott
Mike Scott has certainly found his rhythm in the month of December. In the last eight games, Scott has caught fire, shooting 53 of 72 (73.6 percent) from the field, while averaging 15.3 points per game off the bench. If Scott Brooks continues to see this type of production from the 2012 second round pick out of the University of Virginia, he is going to have no choice but to continue to play him. Look for Scott to be the X factor in this match up against the Nets.
Fun Factor:
Friday Night in Brooklyn
The Barclays Center does not have the reputation of being the mecca of basketball, like Madison Square Garden does, but New York City … is still New York City. With it being just three days from Christmas Day and nine days from New Year’s Eve, the Wizards should have a fun time playing in front of crowd Friday night in the city that never sleeps.
Prediction:
The Wizards picked up a strong victory at home Tuesday night against the Pelicans. With the Nets and the Magic (who are both well under .500) up next, the Wizards have a great opportunity to build some much-needed momentum before facing the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day. Look for the Wizards to come out strong Friday night in Brooklyn by picking up a W by double digits.