Preview: Washington Wizards Set for Back-to-Back, Face Thunder

After a second loss against the Atlanta Hawks over a three day span, the Washington Wizards will look to end its two game losing streak on the road in the second of the back-to-back.

The Wizards are set for the first meeting against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, in addition to the second back-to-back through the first ten games to begin the regular season.

Washington will look to pick up its first win against Oklahoma City since Jan. 11, 2022 and end an eight game losing streak against the Thunder. The Wizards will also look to pick up their first win in Oklahoma City since Nov. 26, 2021.

The Thunder have been able to overcome key injuries with both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren sidelined long-term, instead opening the regular season perfect through the first four games and picking up the third consecutive win after a blowout victory on Friday night against the Grizzlies in Memphis to move to 7-2 overall.

After eclipsing 40 points in consecutive games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted 28 points while shooting 50% from the field in the 31 point win on Friday night, while Ajay Mitchell added 35 points while shooting 70% from the field.

Saturday night marks a big test for Washington, not only against one of the league's best, but also after consecutive humbling performances against the Atlanta Hawks. Kyshawn George did everything possible to keep the Wizards in the game late on Friday night after nearly setting a new career high with 33 points, but it was far from an efficient showing for the rest of the team with the Hawks able to counter every Wizards' punch over the final three quarters.

With the Wizards dropping back under .500, both overall and in road games, Saturday night marks a chance to earn back respect. After consecutive encouraging defensive performances that led to franchise feats, the Wizards have now allowed at least 120 points in consecutive games, marking a deflating reality for head coach Brian Keefe to begin the regular season.

Whether the Wizards enter tipoff at full strength is also a question mark after Anthony Davis was ruled questionable on the team's initial injury report before being ruled out ahead of tipoff on Friday due to his ankle injury suffered in Wednesday's loss.

Tipoff is set for 8 PM ET in the second of four consecutive road games for head coach Brian Keefe and the Wizards.