The Washington Wizards (2-15) could very well not win a game in December. Washington is currently in the midst of a 13-game losing streak after losing to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. The Wizards are back in action tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks, but their upcoming December schedule looks daunting to say the least, and a win isn’t likely.
The Wizards Could Very Well Not Win a Game in December
Will the Wizards Losing Streak Continue?
The final game in November is against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, who have won five consecutive games. Antetokounmpo currently averages 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game this season. Furthermore, the Bucks have scored 100-plus points in the midst of their winning streak. Unfortunately for Washington, the unit is one of the worst defensive teams in the league (allows 123.1 points per game, 29th in league). The Bucks are likely to win this game, but let’s dive into the Wizards scheduled opponents for the final month of the calendar year.
Washington will do battle against solid teams in the month of December. Brian Keefe’s young squad is set to face six teams that made the postseason last year and are on pace to reach postseason play this season. Furthermore, five teams (Cleveland, Denver, Dallas, New York, and Memphis) on their upcoming slate average over 117 points per game (Top-10), respectively. Washington is one of the worst defensive teams in the league and it’s unlikely they can defend those prolific offenses.
Is it possible that Washington could win a game in December? Absolutely. The Wizards have two games against the Charlotte Hornets (6-13), with both games in D.C. Charlotte currently ranks 25th in team defense and gives up substantial points in the paint (47.3 per game). The Wizards average 48.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks 13th in the association. Moreover, Washington could also hang around and potentially shock one of the better teams on their schedule. The Wizards played a competitive matchup against the defending champion Boston Celtics last week, despite having lost 108-96.
Can the Wizards win a game before 2024 ends?
Despite the Losing Streak, There Have Been Bright Spots
Washington is only three losses away from tying its franchise record of sixteen consecutive losses. However, that doesn’t mean its young core isn’t thriving and showing flashes of promise along the way. The 2024 No.2 pick, Alex Sarr, isn’t having the best rookie campaign, but the potential of what he can be is there. Sarr is currently shooting an underwhelming 38.1% from the field, but his physical attributes open up the optimistic view that he can be the cornerstone piece for Washington. The Frenchman takes only 11 shots per game, which should be more. On the defensive side, Sarr is a solid disruptor in the paint and averages just under 2 blocks per game (second among rookies). Sarr needs more polishing to his game, but thus far he’s shown major potential.
Wizards rookie Bub Carrington continues to show why he was the 14th overall pick in last years draft. Carrington averages 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. The former Pittsburgh Panther currently shoots 40.9 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from the field, respectively. In fact, Carrington is one of the favorites to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Carrington displays supreme confidence on both offense and defense and possesses the tools to be one of the leaders of this team.
The Last Word
Yes, the Wizards are an overall bad basketball team. However, Washington is in an evident rebuild and the development of its young and talented core is the sole focus for this unit.
Washington’s last victory came against the Atlanta Hawks on October 30th. The Wizards have to fight against history in order to prevent them from reaching sixteen consecutive losses and it starts against the hot Milwaukee Bucks.
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