No, this isn't deja vu. Some of what you're about to read of yesterday's Wizards news has already been covered by the site. But it was an off day and a couple notable things occurred so they're worth going over again!
1. Bowl away your worries
As we mentioned already, the Wizards went bowling yesterday at the White House. And before you start complaining that the Wizards are trying to be like the Cavaliers, think about that old saying. I believe it goes something like this: If you can't beat 'em, do exactly what they did before accumulating massive amounts of wins.
Here's video of their outing, via Monumental Network:
2. Wizards call up Toure Murry from D-League
With Garrett Temple expected to be out for some time with a strained hamstring, the team went to the D-League in search of his replacement and came away with a player who puts up stellar numbers across the board, but lacks a shooters touch. He's apparently a quality defender, which is obviously way more important for this team than filling a serious need -- having a true scorer off the bench.
3. Otto Porter needs bigger minutes
Whether he's been incredible on the court or not, Otto is the team's most recent top-3 draft pick and should be showing why on the court. He's done his part recently when given opportunities, but with the drop in Rasual Butler's production and season-long struggles from Martell Webster, those opportunities should be thrown at Porter without question.
4. Thunder not open to trading Kevin Durant
With rumors swirling that Thunder GM Sam Presti would be willing to trade Durant this offseason to avoid potentially losing him for nothing the following offseason, Presti put those rumors to rest as he noted:
It’s ludicrous to assert that we would trade Kevin. There’s no way to measure what he represents to our organization on and off the floor. He has helped build this organization from the ground up and personifies the Thunder: past, present and future. When he’s done playing there will be streets named after him throughout the state and younger generations of Oklahomans will learn about the role Kevin has played in elevating this community in ways beyond basketball.
This is probably better for the Wizards, in any case. I mean, who in the world would we be able to trade for him anyways?
5. Wizards host Grizzlies tonight
The Wizards (36-28), looking to win two consecutive games for the first time since February 9, will go up against a very formidable opponent in the Grizzlies (45-19) tonight. If anyone matches up in the frontcourt like Washington with traditional big men, it's Memphis. Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are two powerful players who should create some intriguing matchups against Nene and Marcin Gortat. Needless to say, barring a blowout or foul trouble, expect to see Gortat playing the majority of the fourth quarter.
Tip off is set for 7 p.m. in the nation's capital. You can watch live on TNT or listen on 99.1 WNEW.