Regular Season Game 35
Wizards (19-15) at Hawks (8-25)
December 24, 2017 at 7:30 PM Phillips Arena| Atlanta, GA
TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WSH -5.5
What to Watch:
Has Washington Truly Hit Their Stride?
Markieff Morris recently proclaimed that the Wizards hot stretch was coming soon. At this point last year, they were already on an upswing, but they have not yet shown consistency this season. It has often been one step forward followed by one step back. Against Atlanta, a sub-.500 team, which Washington is just 9-9 against so far this season, the Wizards have a chance to win their third in a row and sixth of their last eight.
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Dennis Schroder
Ever since Schroder mocked an injured Wall during the 2015 playoffs on Instagram, these two have been at each other throats. Schroder is the last semblance of talent on a rebuilding Atlanta squad, but both are prideful in their one-on-one matchup. In the playoffs last season, Schroder averaged 24.7 points and 7.7 assists, which would put him at an All-Star level. If there is any way that Atlanta can pull off the upset, he will have a big part of it.
X-Factor:
Kelly Oubre Jr.
The third-year wing was a big part of the Wizards upset of the Celtics on Christmas Day with a strong fourth quarter as he was utilized for 32 minutes in Washington's small ball death lineup. That said, he still has some lapses on both ends of the court that are holding him back from greater prosperity. For instance, on the late Boston offensive rebound off of a missed free throw, he should have been on the other side of the lane and then he got caught sleeping on defense resulting in Terry Rozier having a wide-open three pointer. On the other hand, his athleticism makes him a defensive force when he does not have to do much thinking. On a bench that continues to have ups-and-downs, Oubre can be the stabilizing force.
Fun Factor:
Mike Scott Makes His Return
Scott has already played against his former team over a month ago, but now he will return to a city that has had a major impact on his life. After leaving the University of Virginia, Scott made his home in the city for five years before an ugly exit that included a long and enduring legal battle over drug possession charges that took a toll on his life. Scott still has a home in Atlanta, which is where he did much of his offseason training before signing with the Wizards. The power forward was a strong force off the bench for the Hawks early in his tenure and will hopefully get a nice ovation in his return.
Prediction:
The Wizards have already taken care of business against the Hawks once this season and they will do so again in their return to Atlanta for the first time since knocking them out of the playoffs in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs last season.