Game Preview: Wizards to take on red hot Clippers on the road

The Los Angeles Clippers are the hottest team in basketball right now after winning 10 of their last 12 games. On the other hand, the Washington Wizards are riding a three game losing streak, following a 7-5 stretch over their previous 12 games prior to January 7th. 

Tonight's matchup will be the second game on Washington's four game west coast road trip, as they'll take on the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets in the upcoming days. 

Washington will be at near full health tonight, as the only players listed as inactive are Cam Whitmore (deep vein thrombosis) and newly acquired guard Trae Young (right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion). Also important to mention that two-way players Jamir Watkins and Sharife Cooper will be out as well. 

Los Angeles is coming off a convincing 117-109 win on Monday night over the Charlotte Hornets. Kawhi Leonard led the way for Los Angeles on Monday by scoring 35 points on 11/19 FG, as he's now averaging 29 points per game in the month of January. Even at age 34, Leonard is still showing that he is one of the premier wing players in the league. 

In order to slow down Leonard, Washington will need strong two-way performances from Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson III. 

I expect Coulibaly and George pick up the assignment of guarding Leonard throughout tonight's game, as both players are strong defenders that can match Leonard's physicality. 

Washington has found a lot of success this season from sharp passing and ball movement, thus resulting in open looks for shooters, and Washington has plenty of shooters. 

Tre Johnson III (41.2%), Kyshawn George (45.5%) and Bub Carrington (42.2%) all shoot above 41% on catch-and-shoot three pointers this season. 

Washington's ability to knock down open shots is why they are a middle of the pack three point shooting team. Last season, Washington would attempt 39.1 three pointers a game, only making 33.5% of their shots (second to last in the entire NBA). Washington has been more efficient and thorough with their three point shooting this season as they have shot 35.8% from deep on 35.7 attempts a game. 

Rookie guard Tre Johnson III has a chance to do something that has NEVER been done before, and that's to join the 50/40/90 club as a rookie. 

Johnson III is currently shooting 45.9% from the field, 39.6% from deep, and 91.7% from the stripe. In order for Johnson III to reach this milestone, he must shoot the rest of the season at 54% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free throw line.

Tonight's matchup will tip-off at 10:30 PM ET, so make sure you drink a few soda's if you plan on staying up.