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(0 - 0) | Expert Pick |
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Not too Late, The Time is Now  This should be a great matchup, both teams have had it tough going so far this season and could really use this win to help kick start there season. I dont think either team is tanking and would love to celebrate the victory. Previous Matchup: They have only met once this season in week 6, Houston traveled to the capital and was able to take home the points with a 105 - 92 victory. Houston had 6 players score in double figures, Dion Waiters top scored with 19 points, Dante Cunningham was an X-factor off the bench with 18 points The main talking point was on the boards, Aldrich and Jefferson pulled down 35 rebounds between them to help Rocket with a 16 rebound differential. For the home team, Buddy did everything he could with 27 points and Jamal was a spark off the bench with 14 points in 15 minutes. Washington
Washington knew this season would take a bit of work after trading away their best player Klay Thompson in the off-season for a heap of quality pieces and draft picks. Darko has continued to shape the team, welcoming JaMychal Green to the franchise for his first game this week as the starting Power Forward. The Wizards have been very competitive recently, in the last 10 game, they have split the results with 5 wins and 5 losses, previous to that, they had managed only 1 win in 15 games. The moves of putting Lopez as the 6th man, allowing Randle to start at Center and after starting 26 games, Ish has been moved to the bench to let Live wire Jamal Crawford take control of the team. The Wizards don’t own there picks this season, so have no reason to tank. They still want to win, it’s just a question of getting the most out of the guys suiting up each week. Injuries: Seth Curry (Leg), Jeremy Lin (Knee), Cristiano Felicio (G-League), Frank Mason (Heel), Leaders: Points B. Hield 17.1 Rebounds J. Randle 9.4 Assists I. Smith 4.7 Ranking: Offense 30th Defense 28th Rebounding 29th Houston  Just before the season started, Rockets were rocked with the injury of Hayward, and its been the story of their season since. IT (back next week hopefully), Hardaway, Whiteside and now Waiters have all missed weeks. Houston has based there team around small ball, spreading the floor to let Whiteside do his magic in the paint. It looked like they just got the game plan worked out, then the sliders changed and have been trying to correct it since. With Whiteside being so dominant, it’s a question of how to complement him best, that task will be harder this week with 3 of the top 4 starters on the sidelines. Having both the Wizards and Rockets 1st round picks next season, Vitticus I know still wants to win and make a run for playoffs like last season, but If I was in his shoes, I would be hoping for a draw. Injuries: Isaiah Thomas (Hip), Mindaugas Kuzminskas (Waived in NBA), Timothy Hardaway (Leg), Dion Waiters (Ankle), Leaders: Points H. Whiteside 27.4 Rebounds H. Whiteside 15.1 Assists Y. Ferrell 4.8 Ranking: Offense 24th Defense 18th Rebounding 21st
Matchups: Randle has been fantastic since moving over to the Center position, averaging 12ppg and 12.6rpg, he is perfect for small ball with his hustle and passion. His hands will be full with Whiteside taking the competition by storm, averaging 27.4ppg and 15.1rbg. Whiteside had a couple of games scoring in the teens last week, if Randle can keep him to those number, I would call that a win, but Whiteside is expected to dominate. JaMychal Green vs Wilson Chandler Green joins the club and straight into the starting line-up against a player who has totally difference characteristics. Green loves to rebound, averaging 9ppg and 7.3rpg when starting for Denver and has only taken 24 3s for the season. Chandler is the perfect example of stretch, in only 3 weeks playing power forward, has attmpted 104 3s. Averaging 15.5ppg, at PF, he is a quality player but only grabbing 4 rebounds is detriment and leaves Whiteside to do all the work. Pretty even matchup here, will be interesting to see how Green jells into the plays Joe Johnson vs Tobias Harris Joe returned from injury with a hurt 1st week, and has leveled out a little since, Shooting at an incredible 52% from downtown, really cant give him any space. Tobias Harris was recently acquired in an IT trade and is a pretty exciting addition. I see Harris having a great first week for the Rockets and should win this matchup. Buddy Hield vs DeAndre Liggins Buddy was the major prize in the Klay Thompson trade and has made the shooting guard position his own this season. Averaging 17ppg, he is the Wizards leading scorer this season. LIggins was only just signed from Free Agency and last week got inserted into the starting lineup. Liggins is known for his defense, only takes 7 shots per game, so if he can slow down Buddy, he has done his job for the night. Jamal Crawford vs Yogi Ferrell This is an interesting matchup, Jamal is a scorer who can pass occasionally, at PG, it has actually settle his down taking only 12 shots a games, as a SG or SF, anywhere up to 20 shots per game was common. Yogi plays his role well, takes about 11 shots a game, averaging 10 points and dishes out 5 assists. This matchup could be make or break for the Rockets, as Crawford has a decent height advantage and when if he gets going on offence, its the Wizards game to lose.
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| X-Factor |
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This game will be won from
behind the arc, both are in the top 6 teams for 3 point attempts. Both are also
in the top 4 teams for splashing them in from deep. The team to fire will go a
long way in winning this game |