:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53622347/usa_today_9711463.0.jpg)
Game Info
When: Friday, March 10th at 10:30 pm EST
Where: Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California
TV: CSN Mid-Atlantic and NBA TV
Radio: 1500 AM and Wizards Radio App
Injury Report
Wizards: None
Kings: Rudy Gay (Out, Achilles), Garrett Temple (Day-to-day, Hamstring)
What to watch for
How will the starting frontcourt perform?
The frontcourt of Gortat, Morris, and Porter had struggled over the previous four games until their outing against the Nuggets on Wednesday night. They combined for 44 points and 24 rebounds, and Otto picked up 4 steals on the way to a victory.
The Wizards need similar performances from the starters so Wall and Beal can rest during periods of the remaining games. Mahinmi and Smith are great backups, but Keef and Gortat will be in the lineup at the end of games, and need to make big plays to ensure they don’t lose winnable games like this one in Sacramento.
Streaking in the wrong way
The lowly Kings are the exact opponent the Wizards would look past during a long tiring road trip, especially after back-to-back wins on the road. Washington has been beating the opponents they should, maybe not always in a convincing manner, but beating them nonetheless. The Wizards need to make sure that continues to be the case against a team that will be hungry to end their losing streak.
Oh Buddy
Buddy Hield has put together a string of solid performances off the bench for Sacramento since coming over from New Orleans. He’s averaging 12.9 points per game, while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from deep. He’s solidifying himself as the kind of piece the Kings hoped to return as part of their deal to trade DeMarcus Cousins.
Most Likely Wizards Killer: Tyreke Evans
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8127505/usa_today_9926972.jpg)
It’s a small sample size, but Tyreke Evans is putting up efficient performances we haven’t seen since ... the last time he played for Sacramento. If he can continue to channel on Friday night, he could make things tough for Washington.