Preview: Washington Wizards Look to End Losing Streak vs. Pacers

The Washington Wizards enter tonight’s matchup against the Indiana Pacers as they seek to snap a four game losing streak. The Pacers, however, are also struggling as they have lost four out of their last five games coming into tonight. In order for the Washington Wizards to come out victorious tonight, they will need to hone in on a couple of things.

First, they will need to take advantage of Indiana’s vulnerable perimeter defense. The Wizards are shooting at a horrific clip of 29.6% from beyond the arc this season, and it has severely limited their offensive efficiency. Fortunately, Indiana’s defense is allowing opponents to shoot 35.9% from the three and giving up about nearly 14 made threes per game. Trae Young will need to dictate the offense by creating penetration, draw multiple defenders, and generate quality looks for players such as Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington.

The Wizards should also aim to disrupt Pascal Siakam and disrupt Indiana’s ball movement. Although the Pacers have a poor record, they do remain a dangerous offensive team because of their ball movement and ability to create advantageous and scoring opportunities for one another. Pascal Siakam must be a defensive focal point as he recently dropped 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists against the Mavericks earlier this week. Anthony Davis, fresh off his 44 point game, and Alex Sarr must use their length to contest Siakam’s perimeter shots, which is something that Anthony Davis has struggled with throughout the course of this season. Also, the Wizards perimeter defenders must do a better job of limiting dribble penetration, which is another area that they have struggled with to begin this season.

Lastly, the Wizards must do a better job of finishing defensive possessions, which is something that has routinely plagued this team in every single one of their losses. The Wizards are allowing opponents to grab about 14 offensive rebounds per game and that must be alleviated if they want to come out victorious tonight. However, the Pacers are also a bit vulnerable on the glass as they are allowing 47.5 rebounds per game. This should present a great opportunity for the Wizards to win the possession battle. 

This will be one of the Wizards better opportunities to end their four game losing streak. The Pacers are decimated with injuries, struggling defensively, and haven’t won at home yet this season. But if the Wizards continue surrendering offensive rebounds, missing open threes, and play with inconsistent effort on both ends, even a struggling Indiana team can take advantage.