Preview: Wizards Host Cade Cunningham-less Pistons Once More This Season

The Washington Wizards (16-52) are set to host the Detroit Pistons (49-19) once more in Capital One Arena. 

Washington will now have played Detroit twice in two games, being the final match-up between these two sides this season. 

Both basketball teams have had polar opposite seasons, as Detroit is currently in the drivers seat for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and have NBA Finals aspirations. Washington, on the other hand, has the second worse record in the entire NBA, and will look for their young talent to get them through the season. 

With that being said, Washington has seen elite production from some of their young core recently, and with Detroit's star point guard in Cade Cunningham sidelined with a lung injury, Washington has an increased chance of snapping their 13 game losing streak tonight. 

One player that Detroit must keep an eye on is rookie wing Will Riley, who has taken significant strides throughout his rookie season. Drafted as a savvy and technically sound offensive engine, Riley's development on both sides of the ball has been encouraging. 

Riley has now scored 20 or more points in consecutive games for the first time in his career. In the month of March, Riley is averaging 15 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.2 APG on 45.5% FG, 36.4% 3FG and 76.3% FT. Riley is displaying why he's one of the best rookies in the association, as his 310 points since February 1st is second in the NBA amongst rookies. 

Riley should get a lot of opportunities going forward, and I expect to see him be assertive and a focal point of Washington's offense tonight. 

Another Wizard to keep an eye on tonight is sophomore guard Bub Carrington, who is arguably coming off the best game of his career. In Washington's last meeting on Tuesday against Detroit, Carrington scored a season high in points with 30 on 12/16 FG and 6/8 3FG. 

Washington fans have been waiting on Carrington to have a game like this all season long, and it came at a great time as Trae Young will miss some time with a quad contusion. Carrington will now get another opportunity to showcase his skills against the same team that he scored 30 points on. 

Washington will be significantly short staffed today, as they'll be without Bilal Coulibaly (right retrocalcaneal bursitis), Kyshawn George (elbow), Leaky Black (ankle), Anthony Davis (finger) and of course, Trae Young (quad). Alex Sarr, initially ruled as questionable, will be available for Thursday's meeting.

Washington will continue to play their young talent, with hopes that they can perform at a high level against one of the NBA's best teams. 

Tip-off set for 7:00 PM ET.