Regular Season Game 40
Bucks (20-17) at Wizards (23-16)
January 6, 2018 at 8:00 PM Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C.
TV: NBCSW Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WSH -4.5
What to Watch:
Which Wizards Team Shows Up?
The Wizards 2017-18 campaign has been defined by being the most consistent NBA team at begin inconsistent. The Wizards are 12-7 against teams in the association that are over .500. But just 11-9 against teams under the .500 mark. The roller coaster season however, has seemed to level out as the Wizards have put together a nice little 4 game winning streak. The Bucks come into this game trailing the Wizards by just a few games for the 4th seed in the East. Look for the Wizards to come out strong at home, as they look to remain undefeated in 2018.
(Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Eric Bledsoe
Wall and Bledsoe have known each other for quite some time now. Wall and Bledsoe were highly recruited out of high school and had the opportunity to play together as the backcourt of John Calipari’s 2009-10 Kentucky Wildcat’s team which produced four current NBA players. Although they are brothers off the court, these two are as competitive as they come. Keep a close eye on this match up between the former Wildcats.
(Photo: Associated Press)
X-Factor:
Wizards Killer Lineup
John Wall. Bradley Beal. Kelly Oubre Jr. Otto Porter Jr. Marcin Gortat.
This Wizard’s 5-man rotation ranks among the best in the game. Their mixture of athletic ability and length allows them to be one of the most effective line ups when it comes to defending the 3-point line. These five will be critical in containing the “Greek Freak” from taking over the game Saturday night. Porter exited Friday's game against Memphis with a hip and back injury that could cost him a matchup with Giannis on Saturday.
Fun Factor:
First Round Playoff Preview?
Before Milwaukee lost to Toronto on Friday night, the Wizards and Bucks would have met for an interesting and extremely entertaining first-round match up if the playoffs began. Both teams have a good mix of young talent, rising superstars, and veteran leadership. And ironically, both are being coached by former NBA point guards. Saturday night may just give us a preview of what’s in store for April.
Prediction:
This time last season the Wizards began to put together a sweet little winning streak highlighted by a 17-game win streak at home. Fast forward one year later and once again the Wizards have found their stride in the month of January. Look for this game to go down to the wire, with the Wizards coming out on top in a nail biter.