(Photo: Keith Allison)
Regular Season Game 46
Wizards (25-20) at Pistons (22-21)
January 18, 2018 at 7:00 PM Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, MI
TV: ESPN, NBCSW+ Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: WSH -1.0
What to Watch:
Which Wizards Team Will Show Up
The Wizards currently sit as the 5th seed in the East with a 25-20 record through the first 45 games of the season. On the outside looking in, the Wizards are still in great position to make the playoffs with a really good opportunity to earn home court advantage for the first round. However, after last year’s run in the playoffs, the expectations for this season were set high, and to many the Wizards have failed thus far to meet those expectations. Following a 24-point blowout loss to the Hornets, it will be interesting to see which Wizards team shows up in Detroit.
(Photo: Geoff Burke, USA Today)
Key Matchup:
Battle Between the Bradley's
An intriguing match up to keep a close eye on is the battle between Bradley Beal and Avery Bradley. These two have had their battles in the past, the most memorable one would be game 6 of the 2017 Eastern Conference Semi Final when Beal dropped 33 points and Bradley held his own with 27 points. Look for these two to go at it Friday night.
X-Factor:
Otto Porter Jr.
Porter is the X-Factor for this match up against Pistons Friday night. The 4th year swingman who has been dealing with a lingering hip injury all season long has struggled in the last 5 games. Averaging just 9.8 points while shooting just 3-15 from beyond the arc. If Porter plays well, the Wizards changes of winning this game in Detroit increases drastically.
(Photo: Jonathan Newton, Washington Post)
Fun Factor:
Wizards Make Their Debut at Little Caesars Arena
The Wizards and Pistons have already faced off twice this season, but both games were in the nation’s capital. This time around the Wizards are headed to the Motor City and will get their first opportunity to play in the NBA’s newest arena. Of course, Washington had the last win at The Palace last season.
(Photo: Mike Mulholland)
Prediction:
This game will be highly competitive and physical. Both teams are hungry for a victory. With the help of a big game from both John Wall and Bradley Beal, the Wizards find a way to avoid a potential 3-game losing streak, winning a close one on the road.