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Wizards vs. Pistons preview: Washington hosts Detroit in key game for playoff positioning

NBA: Washington Wizards at Detroit Pistons Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Game Info

When: Monday, January 21 at 2 pm Eastern Time
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington

Injury Report

Wizards: John Wall (Out, Heel), Markieff Morris (Out, Neck), Dwight Howard (Out, Back)

Pistons: Andre Drummond (Out, Concussion), Ish Smith (Game-Time Decision, Groin)

What to Watch for

Can Washington crack Detroit’s perimeter defense?

No team has been better at defending beyond the arc than the Detroit Pistons. Not only do they hold teams to the second-fewest three-point attempts per game, but they also hold opponents to the worst three-point percentage in the league. The Pistons didn’t spare the Wizards the first time they met back in December. Washington went 9-of-33 from deep, including a 1-of-7 performance by Bradley Beal.

If they want better success this time around, they should take it inside. The Pistons allow the second-highest field goal percentage on two-point shots this season and the worst percentage in the paint, in spite of Andre Drummond’s presence as a shot blocker.

A win would also help the Wizards take another step back toward playoff contention. If they beat Detroit, they’ll tie them for ninth place in the East.

A random moment in Wizards - Pistons history: Gilbert Arenas scored 39 in double-overtime win over Detroit