Both the Wizards and the Pacers have adopted stretch 4s with Kris Humphries and Paul George
Washington comes into this game winning its past 3 games. The Wizards and Pacers split last season series 2-2 although the makeup of the Pacers team is vastly different. The new look Pacers that added Monte Ellis via free agency, Myles Turner in the draft, traded Roy Hibbert, and lost David West in free agency. In the meantime, the Pacers have also adopted a spread offense by starting Paul George at the 4 who is averaging 24.9 ppg over the first 13 games. CJ Miles has also helped key the Pacers to 8-5 start by shooting above 40% from 3.
Even though the Wizards have been winning as of late, John Wall struggled greatly in his last game against Detroit only scoring 8 points while getting 7 assists, and perhaps the most telling was that Wall could not get into the line. Hopefully, Wall can get back to playing as a top caliber point guard.
As Beal continues to play himself into form after his shoulder injury, it may be up to Otto Porter to key the Wizards offense both as 3 point point shooter, passer, and on the boards. Nene and Gortat combined for 32 points and 15 rebounds against Andre Drummond. It will be interesting if they build upon that momentum against Mahinmi and Turner.
Keys to the game:
- Can the Wizards matchup with the Pacers small lineup? If Humphries is not knocking down his 3 point shot, expect the Wizards to go small with Porter or Dudley at the 4.
- John Wall versus Indiana's defense is compelling especially since Wall struggled greatly in the 2014 playoff matchup. It will be interesting to see if Wall plays with a chip on his shoulder in this one. It will be important for Wall to improve his shot selection and knock down the open shot so that the defense respects him.
- The Wizards need to exploit Indiana's weaknesses defensively. They no longer have a great rim protector in Roy Hibbert. Ellis has been a defensive sieve throughout his career. And Paul George may struggle against physical low post play.
