Looking at how the Wizards can make up ground in the standings in March

After a "season ending" five game losing streak, the Wizards have reeled off a three game winning streak that have made the playoffs a reality again. The Wizards are only 1.5 games back of the 8th seed, but the path to the playoffs is still a complicated one for Washington. A break down of the schedule for the rest of March and some key dates you should be on the look out for.

1. The Wizards, Pistons and Bulls play on the same day 4 times.

March 19th, 23rd, 24th and 29th.

Why does this matter? Essentially, it doesn't have a huge impact, it just makes the "Games Behind" differential a little easier to calculate. If the Pistons and Bulls lose while the Wizards win, that would mean gaining a full game. Unfortunately, it also has the reverse effect because should the Pistons and Bulls win and the Wizards lose, the Wizards would fall a full game behind the two teams.

2. Home-Court Advantage

The Wizards will only have three more home games this month while the Bulls play five times in Chicago and the Pistons play seven home games. On top of that, the Wizards have a huge trip out to the West Coast to close out the month.

3. Back to Back

The Bulls have 2 sets of back to backs, one is a home-and-away against the Knicks, the other is at home against Atlanta and on the road in Indy the next night. The Pistons have back-to-back games against the Kings and Nets at home and a very tough back to back against the Hornets and Hawks at home.

4. The next 4 games are crucial.

The Pistons are just starting a 9 game home stand. They play the Kings, Nets, Bucks and Magic, all of which they have beaten at least 2 times already this season.

Chicago will have games against the Jazz, Kings and a home and away back to back with the Knicks. Because of that back to back set, who plays in either game may factor into a Chicago win or loss.

The Wizards will have the toughest of the 4 game set, with a home and away back to back with Atlanta sandwiched between two games against the Knicks and Timberwolves. Atlanta has always given the Wizards problems. It'll be critical to win at least 1 of those 2 games.

5. The end of the month will be the Wizards chance to make a big move.

Detroit will play the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder. They are a combined 1-5 against those teams this season. OKC and Atlanta will be on the second night of a back to back.

Chicago will play the Atlanta Hawks (0-3 in the regular season series), at the Pacers and at Houston. The Hawks and Pacers games are on a back to back set.

Washington will be on their west coast trip starting off in LA against the Lakers, at Golden State and at Sacramento. Obviously, that Warriors game is probably a loss, but winning 2 out of 3 and hoping the Bulls and Pistons lose 3 straight, is the Wizards best chance to gain 3 games or extend their lead with a pursuit of a higher seed.