Game Preview: Wizards vs. Hawks
Preview
Looking to pick up their first win of the year, the Wizards head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks at Phillips Arena on Wednesday night (7:30pm | TV: CSN | Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM).
The Wizards continue to get close, but lack of execution down the stretch and inconsistency has them winless through the first nine games of the season. However, they continue to battle and persevere through this start and have remained upbeat and positive as they look to get that first win of the year.
The Hawks enter the game with a 5-4 record and are coming off a win vs. Orlando on Monday. They lost Joe Johnson in the off-season, but still have a number of guys who can score the ball. Al Horford leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.5 ppg and will be one of the keys to stop for the Wizards.
The Hawks lead the NBA averaging 18.1 turnovers per game, which means the Wizards will need to value each possession and be careful not to commit any lazy turnovers. The play of A.J. Price and Shaun Livingston at the point guard position will be critical as they try and control the tempo of the game and limit the amount of turnovers.
The action kicks off at 7:30 pm on CSN or listen live on 106.7 FM/1500 AM.
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Tonight's Hot Player: Bradley Beal
Learn More about Wizards 'Hot Player' Facebook Game and Play Along Here
Key Matchup
 |
|
 |
|---|---|---|
While Jan Vesely doesn't compare with Josh Smith from the basic statistical standpoint, his athleticism and energy will be crucial for the Wizards to play with a running team like the Hawks. Smith is a versatile power forward who will shoot from the outside, run the floor, and work from the low post which could be a good matchup for Vesely who can match the speed of Smith on the outside. If the game becomes an up-and-down track meet, look for Vesely to break out and excel for the Wizards.
In the below clip, Jan Vesely rolls to the hoop and throws down the alley-oop.
In this clip, Vesely shows off his passing ability with a fine feed to Kevin Seraphin.
Hawks Projected Starters
G - Jeff Teague | 6-2 | 181 lbs
PPG: 13.2 | RPG: 2.7 | APG: 6.3
G- Devin Harris | 6-3 | 192 lbs
PPG: 5.1 | RPG: 1.8 | APG: 2.0
F- Kyle Korver | 6-7 | 212 lbs
PPG: 10.2 | RPG: 3.8 | APG: 1.7
F- Josh Smith | 6-9 | 225 lbs
PPG: 14.4 | RPG: 7.5 | APG: 3.4
C- Al Horford | 6-10 | 250 lbs
PPG: 15.5 | RPG: 8.9 | APG: 2.4
Wizards Projected Starters
G - A.J. Price | 6-2 | 185 lbs
PPG: 9.7 | RPG: 3.2 | APG: 5.7
G- Jordan Crawford | 6-4 | 195 lbs
PPG: 12.2 | RPG: 3.4 | APG: 3.8
F- Trevor Ariza | 6-8 | 200 lbs
PPG: 8.3 | RPG: 4.8 | APG: 2.0
F- Jan Vesely | 6-11 | 240 lbs
PPG: 3.0 | RPG: 2.9 | APG: 1.0
C- Emeka Okafor | 6-10 | 255 lbs
PPG: 7.6 | RPG: 6.3 | APG: 0.7
Wizards Injury Report
Out
- John Wall (knee)
TBD
- Nene (foot)
