Sunday will mark the first time that Trae Young and Alex Sarr will share the floor together
Washington Wizards (16-46) (5-24 away) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (20-45) (11-21 home)
When: Sunday, March 8, 7:00 PM
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
TV: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
The Wizards start their road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans, their first of four on the road, and this may be their best shot to get in the win column. After losing their last seven games, Washington will look to find any sliver of momentum.
The Trae Young era has officially started and comes at a great time. After a loss to the Utah Jazz at home, Young got his first feel as a Wizard and first chance to mesh with his teammates. Finishing with 12 points and 6 assists playing sub 20 minutes for his minutes restriction, not a bad start to his time in the district.
One player who has taken full advantage of his opportunity in the league is forward Julian Reese. Reese finished with 18 points and 20 rebounds against the Jazz on Thursday, where he marked his first career double-double. His 20 boards also marked the most by a rookie this season.
Reese will be facing off against a familiar face Sunday, his former Maryland teammate Derik Queen. Reese and Queen are bound to matchup against each other at some point throughout the contest, which will be a full circle moment with their pasts. The two helped march the Terps to a Sweet-Sixteen appearance almost a year ago.
Besides the heartwarming reunion, Reese will need to continue his hot-streak to help the Wizards finally get over this mile long losing hump.
This matchup marks their second and final matchup of the season, where Washington lost in a blowout back in early January, 128-107. That being said, Young was not on the floor to play.
The Wizards allowed Trey Murphy III to post 35-points and Queen to put up his first triple-double of his career, where they ran away with the game. The Pelicans also shot 54% from the field, an area where Washington will need to cover.
Sundays game also marks the return of Alex Sarr, coming back after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain. Watching him mesh with Young should bring all sorts of attention to a potential new duo in the district.
Washington besides taking Sarr off the injury list will have multiple Wizards still on the board. As of Sunday morning, Anthony Davis OUT (finger), Tristan Vukcevic OUT (thigh), Jamir Watkins OUT (Ankle), and Kyshawn George OUT (Elbow). The Pelicans have a clean sheet.