Wizards 13-21 vs Sixers 20-12
When: Tuesday, December 27th, at 7:00p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
TV: NBC Sports Washington, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: WPEN, WTEM
Injury
Wizards: Deni Avdija (Out, Back)
Sixers: Tyrese Maxey (Out, Foot)
Keep an eye on:
Joel Embiid: Leads the league in scoring with 33.3 points per game. Leads Philly in rebounds per game with 9.7. Averages 4.5 assists per game, nearly two blocks and 1.1 steals per game on 52 percent shooting from the field, 34 percent from 3-point territory and 85 percent from the free throw line. MVP candidate. Need I continue to write out a case to pay attention to Embiid???? Didn't think so.
James Harden: As dangerous a facilitator as he is a scorer. Embiid may be the first option on offense, but, everything starts Harden. He sets the table. Harden is averaging 21.8 points, 11.1 assists, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game on 42 percent shooting from the field, 37 percent from deep and 87 percent from the charity stripe. One thing the Wizards can look to do is make him score from mid-range, run him off the 3-point line but keep him away from the basket. Easier said than done I know, however, it's really the only way to hope to contain Harden outside attacking him on offense to tire him out. He's lethal from three and can finish with the best guards in the league while being pretty much automatic from the line. Washington must stay disciplined defensively to put themselves in position to pull off a much needed win.
Well Rounded Defense: is a must against Philadelphia or you have no chance, especially with the way Embiid and Harden has been playing lately. Washington has to be VERY aware when it comes to closing out on the Sixers shooting from deep. Philly is third in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage, converting 38.6 percent on the season. NINE....NINE players shoot between 34 to 42 percent from deep led by Georges Niang 42.3 percent. As if that's not challenging enough, Philly also ranks fourth in free throw shooting percentage, hitting 81.8 percent from the charity stripe. Washington's defense has left a lot to be desired for most of the season, however, tonight will be a great challenge. A great defensive stand would go a long way towards righting the ship as the All Star break fast approaches.
Comments