The Washington Wizards (1-2) are preparing for their fourth Summer League game in an afternoon battle against the Thunder (2-1). Can the Wizards level their record and get back to .500 in Las Vegas? Here's everything you need to know.
WHERE: Cox Pavillion (Las Vegas, NV)
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBA TV, NBCSW
BILAL COULIBALY'S BLOCKS
Wizards' rookie Bilal Coulibaly has made a nice impact on Summer League thus far. Offensively, he's made some solid plays, including when he drilled the game-clinching jumper in the Wizards' lone win. But defensively is where he's shone brightest.
At 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Coulibaly is physically capable of making plays that most guys in Summer League can't make. This has led to an onslaught of jaw-dropping blocks in Las Vegas. As the opposing player gears up to shoot the ball, it appears as though Coulibaly won't be an issue. Their natural basketball instincts make it seem as though they're open for a free shot. But then, out of nowhere, Coulibaly has a knack for coming in and spiking the ball off the backboard or sending it in reverse.
In three Summer League games thus far, Coulibaly has already totaled five blocks. That's an exceptional number for a perimeter player.
JOHNNY DAVIS AND RYAN ROLLINS SETTING THE TONE
Summer League tends to be dominated by guards. There are always exceptions, but usually, the guys with the ball in their hands are the ones making things happen. Since everyone is still trying to figure each other out and each player is trying to showcase their individual talent, guards have the upper hand. That makes Ryan Rollins and Johnny Davis essential to the success of the Wizards in Summer League.
In three games, Davis has shown he has the ability to get downhill and either finish at the rim or stop on a dime and hit floaters from various angles. He's averaging a cool 14.3 points per game. Rollins has been more of a playmaker and defensive disrupter. He's averaging 13.6 points per game to go along with 4.3 assists and 2.3 steals.
It's clear that Davis and Rollins are the guys setting the tone for the Wizards. They'll be crucial in Washington's efforts to take down the Thunder on Friday.
MATCHING UP WITH CHET HOLMGREN
Chet Holmgren was drafted by the Thunder with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but he missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to injury. Now, he's back healthy and looking fluid on both ends of the court.
Whether it's rebounding, blocking shots, running in transition, or putting the ball on the deck and making plays, Holmgren has shown he's capable of making a huge impact on the game. In two contests thus far in Vegas, Holmgren has averaged 20.5 points on 56% shooting from the field to go along with 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 blocks.
If Holmgren suits up (lineups are subject to change at the drop of a hat during Summer League), it'll be fascinating to see how the Wizards attempt to limit him.