Game Preview: Wizards vs. Hawks

Game Preview: Wizards vs. Hawks

December 7, 2012 | 7:30 pm | TV: CSN | Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM | Gameday Blog | Game Notes | Live Chat

Preview

After dropping an overtime thriller to the Hawks back in November, the Wizards will look to close the deal on Friday night and get their first road win of the season when they take on the Hawks at Phillips Arena (7:30 pm | TV: CSN | Radio: 106.7 FM, 1500 AM).

They came awfully close in their last contest, falling victim to a Kyle Korver three-pointer in the game's final seconds before their own game-winning shot was ruled to be 0.1 second too late. The end result was a 101-100 overtime loss, but the game was there for the taking.

Korver sat out the Hawks game on Wednesday night with back spasms and is questionable to play tonight. For the Wizards, Trevor Ariza joins Trevor Booker and John Wall on the injury list as he strained his calf on Tuesday night and will be out tonight.

A few of the reasons the Wizards were able beat the Heat was their ball movement and ability to score in transition. The Hawks are another team that like to run, so this would be another good chance for the Wizards to get into a fast-paced style game to create more easy looks at the hoop.

Last time they played, Kevin Seraphin was able to use his big body to out-muscle the Hawks defenders on the low post (21 pts, 10 reb), so look for the Wizards to go back to that tonight. Seraphin has recorded double-doubles in three straight games.

Tonight's Hot Player: Bradley Beal

Key Matchup

Seraphin is averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in his last four games. He also has recorded three straight double-doubles for the first time in his career.

The last time these two teams met, Seraphin went off for 21 points and 10 boards and really took advantage of the Hawks on the low post. If the Wizards choose to use Seraphin at the PF spot and play him with both Okafor and Nene, look for Seraphin to have another big game tonight in Atlanta.

Josh Smith is a unique athlete who fills up the stat sheets when he is playing at his best. The key will be to force him to play around the perimeter, which he likely will have to do with Seraphin playing the PF position.

In the below clip, Kevin Seraphin talks about his work in the low post.

In this clip, Seraphin gets deep post position on Smith and then scores over him.

Hawks Projected Starters

Wizards Projected Starters

Wizards Injury Report

Out

  • John Wall (knee)
  • Trevor Booker (knee)
  • Trevor Ariza (calf)

Hawks Injury Report

TBD

  • Kyle Korver (back)