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______VS_________
__17-6 Overall (5-1 vs West), 8-2 Last 10__________5-18 Overall (3-5 vs East), 2-8 Last 10
___1st Southeast Div / 2nd Eastern Conf__________________5th Northwest Div / 15th Conf
Following a workman-like Sunday early evening effort versus the Utah Jazz, YOUR Washington Wizards continue their tour of the Western Division's bottom dwellers with a match-up against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves.
The T-Wolves feature 2014's #1 pick in the NBA Draft, SF Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins, originally drafted #1 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, landed in Minnesota as part of a three-team, multiple player deal that saw PF Kevin Love depart for Cleveland and SF/PF Thaddeus Young also arrive into Minnesota. SG/SF Shabazz Muhammad has played well in recent games coming off of the bench. The physical second year player notched 28 points and 9 boards on Sunday in a 100-94 loss to the L.A. Lakers.
YOUR Washington Wizards have found improved fortunes that have coincided with PG John Wall's dedication to play Gary Payton-like defense. Wall has size and quickness and has held some of the leagues best point guards in check. The Wizards are among the leaders in 3-point shooting thanks to the eagle-eye of SG Bradley Beal, SF Paul Pierce and reserve SG/SF Rasual "hi Toronto!" Butler. Wizards head coach Randy Wittman has seemingly settled on a bench mob rotation that includes PF Nene (battling foot issues), C Kevin Seraphin, PG Andre Miller, and SF Otto Porter.
Let's meet the starting lineups.
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_______PG John Wall, 6'4" (Kentucky)___________________PG Zach LaVine, 6'5" (UCLA)
________17.7 ppg, 10.3 apg, 4.8 rpg______________________9.2 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.6 rpg
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_______SG Bradley Beal, 6'5" (Florida)_________________SG Corey Brewer, 6'9" (Florida)
________15.4 ppg, 3.3 apg, 2.9 rpg______________________10.7 ppg, 3.3 apg, 3.9 rpg
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_______SF Paul Pierce, 6'8" (Kansas)___________________SF Andrew Wiggins, 6'8" (Kansas)
________13.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.4 apg_______________________12.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.3 apg
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____PF Kris Humphries, 6'9" (Minnesota)____________PF Thaddeus Young, 6'8" (Georgia Tech)
________8.0 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 0.8 apg________________________13.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.4 apg
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______C Marcin Gortat, 6'11" (Poland)________________C Gorgui Dieng, 6'11" Louisville)
________13.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg________________________8.6 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.3 bpg
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What: Wizards vs T-Wolves
Where: Verizon Center -- Washington, DC
When: 7:00 p.m. EST
TV: Comcast SportsNet, NBA League Pass, Quasi-legal internet streams
Radio: WNEW 99.1 FM / WFED 1500 AM
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YOUR Washington Wizards hold a 5-1 record against the Western Conference, albeit against some of its lesser teams. Last year's Wizards would have played down to its opponents and a game like this would be one they'd lose in disappointing fashion. But this year is a new year and the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, PG John Wall is playing like he's on fire. Can Wall and this year's Wizards take care of business before an upcoming Friday night match-up in South Beach?
Drop your thoughts, predictions, and opinions below.
Go Wizards!
#GoodLuck