(Photo: Bob Leverone-AP)
Regular Season Game 18
Wizards (10-7) at Hornets (7-9)
November 22, 2017 at 7 PM Spectrum Center | Charlotte, NC TV: NBCSW+ Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: CHA -2.5
What to Watch: Southeast Division Matchup
Last season, the Wizards won three of the four meetings against the Hornets. Even though Charlotte is third in the division, they are the only team undefeated in games against their division (2-0). Washington hopes to end that run and keep ahead in front of the three teams (Magic, Hornets, and Heat) chasing them for first place. The Wizards split the back-to-back with the Heat and are 2-1 against their division this season.
Key Matchup:
John Wall vs. Kemba Walker
This key matchup comes at the point guard position between John Wall and Kemba Walker. Walker leads the Hornets in scoring with 22.9 points per game and his play has helped the Hornets win two in a row coming into Wednesday night’s contest including 26 in a win over the Clippers on Saturday.
John Wall is simply unstoppable. The dude can play through either a sickness or a banged-up knee. Though his knee was swollen after Friday night’s loss to the Heat to the point that he would miss Sunday’s matinee in Toronto, Wall came back Monday night against the Bucks and scored 15 points along with six assists in 31 minutes.
The last time these two met was on April 4 near the tail end of last season. In that game, Walker dropped 37 points, including six three pointers while Wall scored 23 points, 13 assists and stole the ball 6 times. The Wizards got the win 118-113. Who comes out on top in the rematch?
X-Factor:
Paint Defense Against Superman
The Wizards big men need to do a good job containing Dwight Howard if they look to win Wednesday night. Howard is 31 and the Hornets are the fifth team he’s played on in his career, so he has plenty of experience when it comes to going hard in the paint. It will be important for Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris to guard the basket. Do not be surprised to see a block or two coming from John Wall or Bradley Beal, either.
Fun Factor:
Thanksgiving Eve
The night before can be just as fun as Turkey Day itself as many families look to do an activity before they all gather around the dinner table the next day. All of the college kids and those who moved out of house also get to come home and reunite with their families. Those in the Charlotte area have this basketball game as an option to go to and it could create a fun road atmosphere for the Wizards to play in.
Prediction:
The Wizards end their three-game road trip with a win in Charlotte. John Wall keeps Kemba Walker in check and does not let him get to 37 points this time around. Marcin Gortat will also give Dwight Howard a run for his money. Wizards win 110-97.