Bleav in Wizards: Takeaways at Halfway Point of Wizards Preseason

Welcome back to the latest episode of the Bleav in Wizards Podcast, hosted by Matt Modderno of Sleepers Media along with Washington Wizards forward Jahadi White.

The Wizards have approached the midway point of the four game preseason slate with the second and final home game of the 2026 preseason schedule set for Monday night with tipoff against the Brooklyn Nets set for 7 PM. The two teams enter the meeting look to stay unbeaten with the Nets also perfect through two games, yet we dive into the main takeaways through two games with the Wizards also showing plenty of positives through the first half of preseason.

The Wizards opened up the four game slate with a convincing win against the New York Knicks on the road on Thursday before following it up with an overtime win against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Saturday's overtime also featured plenty of fouls in a game that spanned nearly four hours as we discuss the officiating from the game that featured Trae Young ejected minutes into the second half.

Anthony Davis has been a standout when he's on the floor with the veteran showcasing why he's an immediate impact piece on both ends of the floor, but we also saw Kyshawn George flash in an expanded role while rounding out the starting five in the preseason opener. With an opportunity to step into a dual role as the primary ball handler behind Trae Young in year three, breaking down what George has showcased through two games -- and why he should be the fifth starter on Opening Night.

Trae Young has also been able to flash his instant impact as a facilitator on a roster featuring multiple scoring options, while we evaluate some of the lineup combinations that head coach Brian Keefe has turned to through two games, including Will Riley as a stretch four with Deandre Ayton stepping in at the five.

What else do the Wizards need to show over the final two games? Can the defense live up to the hype and become one of the top defenses in the NBA? We dive into everything you need to know with just nine days until the Milwaukee Bucks head to Capital One Arena for the 2026-27 regular season opener.

Make sure to like and subscribe to the Bleav in Wizards Podcast and check out all the latest episodes to get caught up on your Wizards news. You can watch the latest episode here.