The Wizards (39-28) are going for their fifth straight win tonight when they take on the Utah Jazz (30-36) at Energy Solutions Arena. The Wizards have had some trouble beating the easier opponents they have faced off against this year, but this is a Jazz team that would be in the Eastern Conference playoff picture if they switched conferences.
A smaller storyline of this game is going to be former Wizards forward and current Jazz forward Trevor Booker will once again square off against his former team. Booker was a fan favorite in Washington, as he was known for his hustle, and quality starts whenever Nene has to miss a game due to injury.
The Jazz fell to the Wizards 93-84 when they player for the first time on December 14th. This win game in the six game win streak for the Wizards, which is a streak the Wizards are yet to match since it ended after a loss to the Phoenix Suns on December 21st. If the Wizards are able to win this game and push their win streak to five games, they will be given an opportunity on Friday when they face the Los Angeles Clippers to match the six game win streak.
Over the last 13 games, the Jazz have compiled a very surprising 11-2 record, and have been one of the hottest teams shooting wise since the all-star break. The Jazz are 6.5 games behind the Pelicans for the 8th seed in the Western Conference, so expect to see a lot of urgency from the Jazz as they will be in a must win situation for the rest of the season if they want to make an unexpected playoff push.
The matchup to watch tonight is going to be between Paul Pierce and Gordon Hayward. We will see youth vs veteran in tonight’s matchup of small forwards. Hayward has really been putting the team on his back this season, and has carried them to where they are now. Expect the ball to be in his hands, and for Hayward to get a lot of shots up against a slower defender in Paul Pierce.
The Wizards are still the favorites in this game, so Wizards fans should expect nothing less than a win come tomorrow. The Jazz really haven’t given the Wizards any scares, but do not surprised if the game is closer than expected.
