clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Wizards vs. Long Lions preview: Washington takes on CBA in second preseason matchup

Let’s get to our next preseason game!

By Alan Jenkins
NBA: Preseason-New York Knicks at Washington Wizards Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington will take a step outside of ‘league play’ on Wednesday evening as they take on the Guangzhou Long-Lions from the Chinese Basketball Association. Almost a year ago to the date, former Warrior Marreese Speights exploded for 41 points against Washington but the Wizards would prevail with a 140-111 victory.

Game Info

When: Wednesday October 9 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C

How to watch: NBC Sports Washington

Injury Report

Wizards: Troy Brown Jr. (Calf, Out), Isaiah Thomas (Thumb, Out), C.J. Miles (Questionable, Foot), Ian Mahinmi (Achilles, Out), Admiral Schofield (Hamstring, Questionable), Isaac Bonga (Knee, Questionable)

Long-Lions: N/A

What To Watch

Can Rui Hachimura turn in another solid performance?

Hachimura looked calm and collective in his preseason debut against the Knicks on Monday night. Hachimura shot an impressive 50 percent from the field for 12 points against the Knicks but scored in a variety of ways. We knew that he was solid in the midrange but he showed that he’s capable of stepping back and knocking down a three-pointer and also showed some explosiveness which caught some by surprise.

With all of the injuries to the Wizards, it’s clear that Hachimura is the Day One starter. Expect him to turn in another solid performance against Long-Lions in what figures to be a one-sided matchup.

Thomas Bryant’s evolution

As it stands, Thomas Bryant is the Wizards #2 option on this team. On Monday night, Bryant reminded us why he won over the fanbase last year with hustle plays, finishes at the rim, and dunks in transition.

The first new wrinkle that looks it be a part of Bryant’s game is a turnaround jumpshot which we saw in the second half against the Knicks. If Washington is going to be competitive this season, they’ll need these types of plays from Bryant on a nightly basis. And with an under matched Long Lions team coming to town, there’s no reason as to why he can’t have a another dominant performance on Wednesday.

Again, everyone stay healthy!

This is self explanatory.