GT #2: Pacers @ Bullets 7 PM (NBCSW/980 AM)

[FAH1223]

YOUR Washington Bullets are 1-0 FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2017-18!

They're coming off an excellent defensive effort against the Raptors and winning in Toronto for the first time in years.

For the first Friday night game of the year, the Rick Carlisle-led Pacers come to town. The Pacers have a familiar lineup with a new wrinkle. Rookie Chris Duarte impressed in the opener putting up 27 points and helping the Pacers build a lead on the Hornets. The Hornets ultimately came back to knock Indiana to 0-1.

Can your Bullets continue to get off to a good start and get their 2nd straight W? Or will the Pacers' offensive firepower prove to be too much? Will Wes Jr. be outcoached by a Hall of Famer?

Let's get on with showtime as we roll through opening week!

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Projected Lineups :










Bench:

[FAH1223]

upping for sticky

[nate33]

I suspect they'll match up Gafford with Sabonis and put Kuzma on Turner. Kuzma can't handle Sabonis on the block.

[CntOutSmrtCrazy]

We'll miss Westbrook this game. He averaged 27 points 20 assists 18 rebounds 1.3 steals 1.3 blocks on 50/53/83 splits over 3 games in the regular season versus Indy. Those numbers are absurdity.

[J-Ves]

Read on Twitter

Beal is questionable. Rui is still out and not with the team.

I'm beginning to not get a good feeling about the Rui situation. I know its a personal matter but it would be nice as fans if we could get some sort of timetable on his return. Is this situation potentially a season ender? career ender?

[FAH1223]

Read on Twitter

Beal is questionable. Rui is still out and not with the team.

I'm beginning to not get a good feeling about the Rui situation. I know its a personal matter but it would be nice as fans if we could get some sort of timetable on his return. Is this situation potentially a season ender? career ender?

Rui has been working out with the coaches. I’ll give it a couple weeks before I get too concerned.

[Halcyon]

I'm not too worried about Rui. Probably needs time to get caught up to speed with everything since he missed training camp and preseason.

[WallToWall]

I am not worried about Rui, in terms of getting back with the team. He is present, and practicing. My guess is that he is 2 or 3 weeks away from being put in a game. If anything, I have concern that as this is *supposed to be* his 3rd and defining year in the NBA, he may be off to a bad start. He can certainly recover though.

As for game #2…. When was the last time we went 2-0? Law of averages, I feel a win.
Let’s go!

[smoothSeph]

Might not have Beal tonight. Will be a good look at Unseld's system without a star player.

[nate33]

I am not worried about Rui, in terms of getting back with the team. He is present, and practicing. My guess is that he is 2 or 3 weeks away from being put in a game. If anything, I have concern that as this is *supposed to be* his 3rd and defining year in the NBA, he may be off to a bad start. He can certainly recover though.

As for game #2…. When was the last time we went 2-0? Law of averages, I feel a win.
Let’s go!

I seriously doubt it will be in 2 or 3 weeks. I bet he comes off the bench in Game 4 and will be starting by Game 6 or 7.

[queridiculo]

Carlisle is out here playing 8 man rotations to start the season, you think he's desperate to get out of the gate quick?

Brogdon is a known Wizards killer and I don't see a matchup I really like against Sabonis.

If Beal can't go I don't see how the Wizards are going to be able to keep up.

[Frichuela]

Bad news: it’s confirmed Beal is OUT…

…but they are hopeful he can play on Monday

Read on Twitter

?s=21

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Carlisle is out here playing 8 man rotations to start the season, you think he's desperate to get out of the gate quick?

Brogdon is a known Wizards killer and I don't see a matchup I really like against Sabonis.

If Beal can't go I don't see how the Wizards are going to be able to keep up.

I anticipate Holiday coming out strong following his poor first outing, and looking to put it on his former team.

I also predict 6 3s tonight from Bertans.

[ducler]

Read on Twitter

[NatP4]

Big games coming from Avdija and Bertans. Pretty simple adjustment with Brad out: KCP starts at the 2, Avdija starts at the 3. Kispert gets some action. Probably a lot more usage for Dinwiddie in the pick and roll.

Plenty of talent to be competitive. Should be just as good defensively tonight.

[J-Ves]

Oof. I guess this will be a solid game to see if the defense is for real

Dinwiddie becomes our best offensive player and I’m not going to lie he looked a step slow in game 1

[J-Ves]

Big games coming from Avdija and Bertans. Pretty simple adjustment with Brad out: KCP starts at the 2, Avdija starts at the 3. Kispert gets some action. Probably a lot more usage for Dinwiddie in the pick and roll.

Plenty of talent to be competitive. Should be just as good defensively tonight.

Maybe not such a simple fix if Chris miller is to be believed. Sounds like (gulp, yikes) Holiday is starting at the 2

[NatP4]

Oof. Not a fan of that move but whatever.

[80sballboy]

Kuzma on Turner will be a tough matchup.

[80sballboy]

Dinwiddie with those old man moves but works. I'd still like to see him shoot more threes. Looks like he's improved out there.