Washington Wizards (36-28) vs Miami Heat (34-30)
When: Tuesday , March 6, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena , Washington D.C. TV: NBCSW / Radio: 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: John Wall (Out, Knee)
Heat: Wayne Ellington (Out, Quad), Dion Waiters (Out, Ankle)
Notes -
The Wizards host the Miami Heat in the third game of the season series tonight. The series is currently tied 1-1.
Otto Porter has achieved excellent shooting numbers post All-Star break, as he now ranks in the top four in both field goal and three-point percentage.
Top FG% Post ASB (Min. 80 FGA) Top 3P% Post ASB (Min. 30 3PA)
Ben Simmons 60.2 D.J. Augustin 58.1
Julius Randle 57.5 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 56.8
Jrue Holiday 57.4 Otto Porter 55.9
Otto Porter 56.1 Curry/Irving 50.0
Porter is also now one of just three players this season to be averaging at least 15 points per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from three.
15+ PPG, 50+ FG%, 40+ 3P%, 2017-18 (PPG, FG%, 3P%)
Otto Porter 15.1 50.1 42.5
Kevin Durant 26.1 52.6 42.8
Karl-Anthony Towns 20.4 54.7 41.4
Wizards -
107.0 - points per game
105.4 - points against
46.7 - Field goal %
Heat -
101.8 - points per game
102.0 - points against
45.4 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Limit Turnovers: Washington is on a three game losing streak and at the heart of the issues are turnovers. The Wizards are averaging 17 turnovers per game during their losing streak which is uncharacteristic of them. Prior to the current slide, Washington only committed 11 turnovers a game. What's worst is that opponents are capitalizing off Washington's turnovers, scoring 33 a game. Hard to overcome for any team. Washington has to handle the pressure and be stronger with the ball, with playoff intensity involved in every game as the season comes to a close.
Keep Miami Bigs off the boards: Hassan Whiteside while not having the same production he had during the 16-17 season has been a problem for Washington. On Nov 15th, Whiteside posted 14 points and 21 rebounds and in their second meeting two days later, Whiteside once again finished with a monster double double with 22 points and 16 rebounds. His length and athleticism overwhelmed Washington's front line even though both teams split. Keeping him off the boards along with fast emerging rookie Bam Adebayo, will go a long way towards ensuring a Wizards victory.
Feed Otto Porter Jr: Porter Jr has raised his game since Wall went down and truthfully has been Washington's most consistent player. During the Wizards current losing streak, Porter Jr is averaging 23.3 points and 8 rebounds on a ridiculous 66 percent shooting from the field AND three point territory. To say he's been unconscious is an understatement. Getting him more shots will open things up not just for Beal, but the rest of Washington to make plays. He earned a max deal last summer and his consistent play throughout the season, especially during this stretch with Wall out, has validated the deal.
