Wizards vs. Long Lions Preview: Washington opens preseason against team from Guangzhou

Basketball is back! Sort of. Washington kicks off their preseason campaign against the Guangzhou Long-Lions on Monday evening. There are preseason games and then there are preseason games against overseas teams when the NBA teams often wins by 50+ points. In other words, we’re not going to learn a whole lot, if anything.

But basketball is back so who cares?!?!

Game Info

When: Monday, October 2nd at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C
TV: Monumental Sports Network

Injuries

Washington: Markieff Morris (Out, Sports Hernia), Tim Frazier (Questionable, Groin)

Guangzhou: None

What to watch for

What does Kelly Oubre’s shot look like?

Oubre worked with trainer Drew Hanlen on cleaning up his shot form this offseason. If you remember, Oubre had a minor hitch in his shot which often resulted in his shot coming up short and to the left; and also obstructing his vision. Apparently, that’s been cleaned up this offseason. Regardless, if Oubre nails five three-pointers or goes 0-6 from range, we won’t learn a whole lot. However, we will be able to see if he has indeed cleaned up his shooting form.

What does max Otto Porter look like?

Year after year, Porter has made progressions and has always taken a step in the right direction to become a well-rounded and key player for the Wizards. Last year it was improved defense and a much improved three-point shot.

So what will be the major addition this year? Improved perimeter defense? Continuing to shoot the three-ball at a high rate? Becoming more assertive and aggressive on the offensive end? We’ll get our first glimpse tomorrow night.

No one gets injured

Morris is already expected to miss 1-2 months and Frazier experienced a minor setback in training camp. The Wizards are already a super thin team so they can ill-afford to lose a player in a meaningless preseason game.

Most Likely Wizards Killer: Tyler Hansbrough

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Yep, he plays for Guangzhou.