Game Preview
The Washington Wizards (2-13) host the Los Angeles Clippers (11-8) on Wednesday in a clash of teams heading in opposite directions. The Wizards have stumbled out of the gate, dropping 11 straight contests and struggling mightily on both ends of the floor. Their 108.5-point scoring average is among the league's lowest, while surrendering nearly 123 points per game - a recipe for their dismal 13.3% win rate.
Offense has been a particular issue recently, as Washington has mustered just 105.2 points over their last five outings while shooting a paltry 44.8% from the field and an anemic 33.8% from deep. The Wizards are grabbing nearly 45 rebounds per game in that span but assistingon just 23, a shade below their season mark of 24.7 - reflecting their struggles to generate quality looks. Turnovers have also plagued them at over 15 per contest.
In stark contrast, the Clippers (11-8) have righted the ship after a sluggish start, winning 4 of their last 5 and 6 of 10 overall. Their balanced attack is averaging 108.5 points over the last 10 games on 46.2% shooting and a respectable 37% from three-point range. Los Angeles is also crashing the boards effectively, pulling down 46.3 rebounds per game while dishing out 24.5 assists - sharing the ball at a high level to generate quality looks.
While the Clippers have tightened up defensively of late, limiting opponents to 101 points over their last 5 games, the Wizards could have their hands full trying to keep pace. Washington is surrendering over 122 points per contest during their 11-game skid, struggling to get stops or control the defensive glass. Unless they can find a way to slow the Clippers' balanced, efficient offense, the Wizards' tough season could continue on Wednesday night.