Regular Season Game 67
Wizards (38-28) at Heat (35-31)
March 10, 2018 at 7:30 PM AmericanAirlines Arena | Miami, FL
TV: NBCSW
Radio: 1500 AM
(Photo: Ned Dishman via Getty Images)
What to Watch:
Have Lessons Been Learned?
Every night is a playoff match-up for the Washington Wizards at this point in the season and the second leg of their back-to-back is no different. The Wizards are hoping to learn from their mistakes less than a week ago when they played host to the Miami Heat. Now, they are in South Beach looking to continue to put separation between themselves and their division rival.
Washington had an 18-point lead in the first quarter the last time these two teams matched up. Nevertheless, the Wizards reverted to their careless ways and nearly lost the game. Washington’s goals are to control the ball without turning it over, getting production from their front court, and containing Dwyane Wade. The future Hall of Famer is averaging 17.2 points this month on 49.3 percent shooting from the field including 22 points in D.C. on Tuesday.
Key Matchup:
Kelly Oubre vs. Dwyane Wade
Wade and company forced overtime earlier in the week and the 12-time All-Star got the best of Oubre with his flopping tactics to get to the line for tying three free throws. Oubre was exposed and he admits it because it is his nature to own his mistakes. Nevertheless, when he is guarding Wade, he must stay on his feet and try to contain him as much as possible by using his length and athleticism. Wade is not the same player he used to be, but is still capable of being a game changer and lead his team to victory. It’s important for Oubre to watch film and learn from his past mistakes to ensure his team wins in Miami.
X-Factor:
Otto Porter Jr.
In the last three games, the max money wing is averaging 17.7 points on 62 percent shooting from the field and an astonishing 66.7 percent from behind the arc. This team is successful when both offense and defense are played at the highest level. Porter contributing these number alongside Bradley Beal and Markieff Morris will almost guarantee a victory in South Beach.
Fun Factor:
Mike (Great) Scott
After the Wizards destroyed the New Orleans Pelicans last night, Scott found some offense after struggling over the last few games. The veteran minimum signee chimed in for 14 points to lead the second unit. Additionally, he shot 6-for-8 from the field. If Scott can keep up this rhythm, Washington will have a secondary source of offense from its bench.
Prediction:
After winning last night in New Orleans, Washington is looking to continue to build on their win streak and try to move up in the standings as this season is winding down. Last time these two teams faced-off, it was evident that the Wizards can blowout the Heat when engaged on both ends. However, they cannot turn the ball over and allow Miami to gain confidence. This wayward Heat team may be 5-5 over their last 10 games, but they are battling to stay in the playoffs. The moment the Wizards get careless will be the moment they lose this game; however, Washington learned their lesson and will be victorious in Miami.