When the Wizards take on the 76ers, the Wizards will rest starting small forward Paul Pierce and start Otto Porter in his place. Pierce can really use the rest, as the 26.4 minutes per game is starting to get the best of the 37-year-old. His production in-game has dropped dramatically, likely because of fatigue occurring from Randy Wittman pushing the starters further into games that he had been doing earlier in the season.
So far this season, Pierce has averaged 12.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 26.4 minutes per game. Otto Porter has averaged 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and .9 assists per game in 18.1 minutes of action this season.
The starting lineup that was projected to be the best for the Wizards this season (Wall, Beal, Pierce, Nene, Gortat), has compiled a record of 16-17, which is a .485 winning percentage. tonight’s lineup of Wall, Beal, Porter, Nene, and Gortat is actually undefeated, with a record of 2-0, when the five start together. It may be a small sample size, but if that lineup works, it works, and there is no denying that so far this season, tonight’s lineup has worked.
Losing Pierce should not hurt the Wizards too much when they play the 76ers who would actually be very content with a loss in tonight’s matchup. However, the Wizards need to win so they can get hot come playoff time. The game tonight can not be taken lightly, and must result in a win for Washington so they can get back on their feet.
