Regular Season Game 58
Wizards (33-24) at Cavaliers (34-22)
February 22, 2018 at 8:00 PM Quicken Loans Arena | Cleveland, OH
TV: TNT Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: CLE -6.5
(Photo: Ned Dishman via Getty Images)
What to Watch:
Playoff Intensity
The Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers highlight the first nationally televised match up after what seems to have been a very successful All-Star weekend for the association. With that being said, the “first half” of the NBA season is officially complete and it is now time for business.
The Cavs and Wizards respectively occupy the third and fourth seed in the East, but it’s slightly concerning that they are only a few games ahead of the rest of the pack (Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Miami Heat). The Detroit Pistons who sit at the ninth-seed are only 6 ½ games away from the third-seeded Cavs and five games away from the fourth-seeded Wizards.
Look for this game to be a statement game for both teams. As the new look Cavs seek to extend their four-game winning streak, while the Wizards look to prove on national television that they can still win games without their All-Star point guard, John Wall. Thursday night’s game should have the look and feel of a playoff match up.
Key Matchup:
The Benches
The new and improved Cavaliers added some new weapons to their bench after acquiring Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, George Hill and Rodney Hood before this year’s trade deadline. Three of the four, aside from Hill, assets bring a fountain of youth to a team that was in dire need of it. Meanwhile in D.C., the Wizards’ remained fairly idle during the trade deadline, electing to stay the course with the same unit they have sported all season.
A key match-up Thursday night will be when the two second units face off. It will be interesting to see if the Wizards’ bench led by Kelly Oubre and Mike Scott will be able to deliver while their starters take a breather.
X-Factor:
Otto Porter Jr.
This will be the Washington Wizards’ 10th straight game without their All-Star point guard, John Wall. During his nine-game absence without the #WallStar the Wizards have gone a surprisingly 7-2. A large part of that has had to do with the overall play from Otto Porter Jr. who has stepped up his play, averaging 19.1 points per game while shooting 53.2 percent from the field since Wall’s injury.
If the Wizards are going to take down the defending Eastern Conference Champions on their home floor, they are going to need a big game from Porter on both ends of the floor.
(Photo: Patrick Smith via Getty Images)
Fun Factor:
National Television Spotlight
The Wizards will play their 10th game on national television this season. So far, the Wizards have an overall record of 4-5 when playing live on ABC, ESPN, or TNT this season.
Prediction:
Both teams will come out Thursday night well rested from their All-Star break vacations. Look for both teams to come out aggressive and sharp. However, without John Wall, the Cavaliers led by LeBron James may be too much to handle. This game will be competitive through three quarters but look for the Cavs to take over in the final period.