The matchup tonight between the Washington Wizards (46-34) and the Indiana Pacers (37-43) is a game the Pacers must win if they want top keep hold on the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Wizards have already clinched the fifth seed, and will likely not bring the same energy that an Indiana team fighting for their playoff lives will bring. The game could be dangerous for the Wizards if they do not bring the energy needed to win a game against a team that will be giving it their all.
If Randy Wittman chooses to rest any of his starters or key role players, Indiana will have to thank the Indianapolis native for helping them get into the playoffs. With Paul George still running on limited minutes, it would be heard for this Indiana team to compete with a full Wizards team. A decision from Wittman to rest some starters may even get Wittman some applause when his name is announced tonight at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
After receiving some time to rest his ankle, John Wall claims that his ankle is fine and will not be holding him back. The news is great for the Wizards, but will certainly hurt the Pacers tonight. Wittman could try to get Wall to take some rest to ensure his ankle will be 100% for the playoffs, but Wall being the competitor he is makes it hard to rest him if he is ready to play.
The scariest matchup for the Wizards tonight is going to be between the frontcourt. Last year in the playoffs, both Marcin Gortat and Nene struggled on both ends of the floor when facing David West and Roy Hibbert. Expect to see Indiana pound the ball down low like the did in the playoff matchup so they can get some easy buckets and work their way into the playoffs.
If the Wizards full team comes out with energy, they will easily beat a Pacer team that is far less talented and skilled. If the Pacers come out really strong and the Wizards just show up and don’t play with heart, the Pacers will blow out the Wizards. The Wizards know it’s time to pick up the pace as the playoffs roll in, and they will win tonight. They for sure will win.
