The Wizards (6-36) face the Clippers (24-19) before heading to the Phoenix Suns. Both teams are dealing with injuries. The Wizards are down Brogdon, their veteran Point Guard who produces when healthy but being healthy is the problem, and with the Trade Deadline coming up, he may be with the team till the end of the season. Bagley is a similar player in the context that he produces when healthy but health is also the main problem. For the Clippers, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard are game-time decisions. It is the season’s mid-way point, and most teams are dealing with injuries, so both teams will have to roll with the next-man-up mentality. Let’s get into the three keys to victory.
Three keys to victory
#1 - Win the paint, out rebound
The Wizards are in a very favorable matchup. The Wizards lead in blocks per game (5.3) and rebounds (44.1). The matchups to look forward to are Alex Sarr vs Ivica Zubac and Jonas Valaciunas vs Mo Bamba
#2 - Defense, the usual suspect
The Clippers have weapons, weapons that will humble you if you’re sleeping on guard. The Beard is a known Wizards killer and Kawhi is, you know, like Brogdon and Bagley. The Wizards need to start with transition defense, setting up, and communicating. The switches have to be faster and they must put a hand in the face of shooters. Close-outs have been a season-long issue.
#3 - Attack the basket
The Clippers are in the top ten in defense, the Wizards will need to prioritize team basketball and share the ball. Don’t get it twisted, I think this is a game where Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma need to attack the basket and get to the free-throw line or collapse the defense and set up George and Kispert on the outside.
We will be going live at 6:00 PM on Friday so join us and let’s chop it up.
