The Washington Wizards (10-14) are heading into their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks (5-19) with momentum after an impressive win against the New York Knicks. If the Wizards want to get the ‘W’ tonight, they’ll have to do it without all-star point guard John Wall. For good reason, Wall is in D.C. awaiting the birth of his first child.
The Wizards will be forced to adjust to a lineup without Wall who has been playing at a high level in the last two wins. Wall dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a game-high 30 points on Saturday and hit a clutch three when it looked like the Knicks were closing in on the Wizards lead as regulation was coming to an end.
There is never a good time to be missing one of your best players. However, with the team trying to put together a streak on the road after a 3-9 start away from home, this is a time when Wall’s presence will be missed. You can guarantee the Hawks will aim to take advantage of the gap tonight.
This is still a winnable game for the Wizards. Led by rookie point guard Trae Young, the Hawks are a fairly young team and the Wizards have plenty of experience left in the starting lineup. The team is seeing the most success when they start fast, take control defensively, and produce from behind the arc. Kelly Oubre, Jr. shot a career-high five 3-pointers against the Knicks.
A victory tonight will give the Wizards their second three-game win streak of the season.
Here is tonight’s game and media information:
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Where to Watch/Listen: NBC Sports and Washington 1500 AM
Starters: Thomas Santoransky (G), Bradley Beal (G), Austin Rivers (F), Otto Porter, Jr. (C), Thomas Bryant (C)
Injury Report: Dwight Howard (out), John Wall (out – personal)