(Photo: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)
Regular Season Game 48
Wizards (26-21) at Thunder (27-20)
January 25, 2018 at 8:00 PM Chesapeake Energy Arena | Oklahoma City, OK
TV: TNT Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: OKC -5.5
What to Watch:
How will the Wizard’s bounce back after another embarrassing loss?
The Wizards suffered their 4th 20+ point loss of the season Monday night against the Mavericks. A loss is a loss regardless of how much one loses by, but that statistic is a little concerning for team that is considered to be a contender out in the East. What makes things a little baffling is that all four blowout losses were against teams with a losing records: the Utah Jazz (19-28 overall, 10th seed in the West), Brooklyn Nets (18-30 overall, 13th seed in the East), the Charlotte Hornets (19-26, 11th seed in the East), and the Dallas Mavericks (16-31 overall, 14th seed in the West).
One key thing to note is that after each 20+ point blowout loss this season, the Wizards have bounced back with a victory in their following game.
(Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images)
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Russell Westbrook
The clash between arguable the fastest players (with and without the basketball ball) in the NBA will take place Thursday night. Both John Wall and Russell Westbrook share a rare combination of size and speed. However, Wall who stands at 6’4 and Westbrook at 6’3, aren’t just genetically blessed. They are also equipped with the ability to score, pass, defend and control the tempo of the game when engaged making them a match up nightmare for opposing point guards.
Key word engaged*, specifically for Wall who hasn’t played all 47 games this season like the “Wall Star” we are accustomed to seeing. Nevertheless, Wall has actually played some of his best basketball this season when up against another elite guard e.g. Warriors (Steph Curry), Celtics (Kyrie Irving), and Rockets (Chris Paul). Look for both players to bring the best out of one another as they duel live on national television.
(Photo: Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports)
X-Factor:
Bradley Beal
On Tuesday, Bradley Beal received news that he had been selected into his first All-Star game. A moment the 24-year-old guard from da “Lou” has been dreaming of his entire life. It took him six years, but he is officially an NBA All-Star, something only 24 players out 450 players can say they accomplished this season.
Fresh off of that news, Thursday night Beal will have an opportunity to face off against a couple of all-stars/former all-stars in Russell Westbrook (7x All-Star), Paul George (4x All-Star who got snubbed this season) and Carmelo Anthony (10x All-Star who is missing his first All-Star game in 9 seasons). With all that being said, look for Beal to come out aggressive, firing on all cylinders as he looks to lead his Wizards past the star-studded Thunder.
(Photo: Steve Dykes/AP)
Fun Factor:
Scott Brook’s Second Return to OKC
This will be Coach Scott Brook’s 2nd time coaching against the Thunder at Chesapeake Arena. His first visit back in his old stomping grounds took place last season on November 30, 2016, where the Wizards lost in overtime 126-115.
Brooks served as the head coach of the Thunder from 2008-2015. During his 7-year tenure, he led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals three times and the NBA finals once. Fun fact to note: there are only three players remaining from the Thunder roster under Brooks. And one of them is the reigning NBA MVP featured in the #ThrowbackThursday picture below.
(Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Prediction:
This will be a highly competitive game. The city of Oklahoma will welcome back Scott Brooks with open arms and loud cheers. Wizards will play at much higher level than they did Monday night. But the Thunder will be too much to handle at home. Wizards drop another game on the road.