PHI @ WAS 7 PM EST - Back to Back tank

[FAH1223]

Sixers have beaten us by an average of 20+ PPG this season.

I guess that won't happen tonight with the improved defense.

But it should make for another competitive game. Who will step up to the tank tonight?

[erolgonzales]

should be an easy win for the 76ers

[fishercob]

This is an interesting measuring stick, in that Philly's dominance over us was heavily predicated on destroying Javale in the pick and roll.

[DallasShalDune]

I really hope Wall can pick up his game. I wonder if he's moping because all of the close losses as of late. We're still winless with Nene, which is slightly worrisome, but I don't think it is his fault.

Wall is, of course, better than he's been playing as of late. He needs to snap out of his mental funk and be assertive and release his jump shot properly.

[closg00]

Isn't this like our 10th time playing Philly this season?

I would hate to be their bitch again, but we've got to keep the tank fueled and headed towards Anthony Davis.

[montestewart]

This is an interesting measuring stick, in that Philly's dominance over us was heavily predicated on destroying Javale in the pick and roll.

Good point. Wizards are still quite vulnerable to outstanding players going off, but are a little less vulnerable now to well coached teams picking them apart than they were before.

Any injuries? I much prefer playing close throughout the game or falling behind and catching up before losing by a point or two at the buzzer to getting a big and exciting lead early and watching the excruciatingly predictable collapse. I want gutsy, gritty, determined, academy-award nominee tank performances. No thrill of victory, just the agony of a close defeat.

I'll be attending with my father tonight. A Philadelphia native.

[tontoz]

Philly is 1st in defensive efficiency. Top rated defense vs Wizards offense.....ugh.

[miller31time]

We're still winless with Nene, which is slightly worrisome, but I don't think it is his fault.

We did win against New Jersey in Nene's first game as a Wizard.

http://www.nba.com/games/20120321/WASNJ ... GIboxscore

But yeah, it can't be good for team morale to lose close game after close game like we've been doing lately.

[DallasShalDune]

Oops! I stand corrected. Thanks miller.

The tank is strong, but I'm still hoping for occasional wins. We won't catch up to the Cats and I bet we end up with the 2nd worst record.

Top 5 pick guaranteed!

[jivelikenice]

I want the win tonight. I hate the 76ers and they've absolutely torched us 5 times this season including the preseason.

[tontoz]

Say this for the lowly Wizards: They've looked a lot more like a real basketball team lately. Minus Nick Young (traded to the Clippers), Andray Blatche (being sat) and JaVale McGee (Nuggets), Washington is playing hard, defending and mostly making teams beat it rather than beating itself.

Washington has held seven straight opponents under 100 points, the first time in nearly half a decade the Wizards have done so. With Kevin Seraphin, Nene and Trevor Booker, their front line is physically imposing -- dominating Indiana's own impressive frontcourt on the glass Thursday night.

Don't get me wrong, they're still a bad team, and they still have plenty of problems. After two pro seasons, John Wall still can't set up his man to go into the screen on a pick-and-roll. Jan Vesely can run and jump, but I'm not sure he's any good at basketball. And once a quarter, Jordan Crawford reminds you of their Wizards legacy by jacking a contested 22-foot fadeaway with 19 on the shot clock.

Baby steps, people.

But for the first time in a while, we can watch this team for the basketball and not the comedy. With an easy April schedule, don't be surprised if they rack up several wins this month.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story?pa ... gging-team

[The Fax]

Does every game thread have to include something about tanking? A bit much, no?

[tontoz]

Does every game thread have to include something about tanking? A bit much, no?

Yes and No

[FAH1223]

Does every game thread have to include something about tanking? A bit much, no?

nope

[The Fax]

Ok it's settled then. On with tank-sanity.

[nate33]

Say this for the lowly Wizards: They've looked a lot more like a real basketball team lately. Minus Nick Young (traded to the Clippers), Andray Blatche (being sat) and JaVale McGee (Nuggets), Washington is playing hard, defending and mostly making teams beat it rather than beating itself.

Washington has held seven straight opponents under 100 points, the first time in nearly half a decade the Wizards have done so. With Kevin Seraphin, Nene and Trevor Booker, their front line is physically imposing -- dominating Indiana's own impressive frontcourt on the glass Thursday night.

Don't get me wrong, they're still a bad team, and they still have plenty of problems. After two pro seasons, John Wall still can't set up his man to go into the screen on a pick-and-roll. Jan Vesely can run and jump, but I'm not sure he's any good at basketball. And once a quarter, Jordan Crawford reminds you of their Wizards legacy by jacking a contested 22-foot fadeaway with 19 on the shot clock.

Baby steps, people.

But for the first time in a while, we can watch this team for the basketball and not the comedy. With an easy April schedule, don't be surprised if they rack up several wins this month.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story?pa ... gging-team

Wow. He has us pegged perfectly. It's nice that somebody noticed the improved play while also accurately pointing out our biggest weaknesses.

[7-Day Dray]

I've always liked Hollinger's analysis. And he actually watches the games.

But on tonight's game, let the tanking commence!

[tontoz]

I am sure a lot of Hollingers info comes from scouts. If you pull up a player profile on ESPN and hit the Hollinger tab he has a detailed scouting profile on each player and they are actually pretty good. They are also updated each season.

[FreeBalling]

Old school....

[tontoz]

Defense picking up where it left off.

Booker hobbling.