Preview: Washington seeks revenge against the Nets

Adversity sometimes has a way of waking up a struggling team. The Brooklyn Nets entered last night's game shouldering a 7 game losing streak, essentially waving the white flag by entertaining serious trade talks for a max-contract player, Brook Lopez. It seems that all of the turmoil caused the Nets to snap out of it and turn in one of their strongest performances of the season against the Wizards last night. The Wizards were caught napping, clearly not mentally prepared for last night's game. Hopefully, the Wizards were embarrassed enough last night on their home court that they will return the favor against the Nets tonight in the Barclays Center.

Where and When? 8:00 PM at the Barclays Center. Just local coverage tonight, so CSN Washington. You can get in on the radio party at 99.1 WNEW.

Who's Out? The Wizards have continued to avoid the injury bug, fingers crossed it stays that way. The Brooklyn Nets will be missing Deron Williams once again as he is sidelined with a rib injury until at least next Wednesday.

Are They Good? This question was much easier to answer yesterday. Are they good statistically? No. Do they pass the eye test? No. Did they just blow out the Wizards at the Phone Booth by 22 points? YES.

Will The Truth Set Us Free? One of the story lines going into last nights game was Paul Pierce playing against his old team, who stiffed him when it came to contract time. However, Pierce never really got going last night. He finished with 8 points on 2-5 shooting (all 3's), 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Not a horrendous game by any means, but I think we were all a little surprised Paul didn't try to go HAM on his old team. Perhaps tonight he will find the drive while back at the Barclay's Center to show us some vintage Paul.

John Wall vs. Jarrett Jack? Most of us thought John Wall would absolutely dominate Jarrett Jack last night. Unfortunately Jarrett came to play, filling the stat sheet with 26 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals. Wall posted a 13 point, 6 assist, 2 steal game in which he clearly did not bring his best stuff. Wall is known for being able to use slights against him as motivation, so it will be interesting to see him try to reassert his dominance tonight.

Who Wins? The Wizards. The Wizards will win. Comfortably. In years past, certain teams would have insurmountable match-up advantages against Washington, and the Wizards never rose to the occasion. The team is too good now to have teams roll over them multiple times--unless we're talking about the Hawks--and Brooklyn is DEFINITELY not the Hawks.

Final Score Prediction: Wizards 104 - 92 Nets