:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65626900/1088149238.jpg.0.jpg)
The Washington Wizards were expected to be among the NBA’s worst performers all season long. They were just 1-4 heading into Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. So it should be noted that ESPN ranked the Wizards 26th and Rotoworld had them 27th. NBA.com had them 23rd, up one spot from last week.
Despite the low rankings, both lists acknowledged that Washington still started stronger than expected. And perhaps they could be moving up the rankings with a win streak or two.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors were 1-5 heading into their match against the Portland Trail Blazers. They are off to their worst start since the 2000-01 season, largely due to player injuries (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have various ones) and departures like Kevin Durant’s last summer.
The ESPN poll also ranked the Warriors 27th while Rotoworld and NBA.com ranked them 28th. Either way you look at it, the Wizards appear to be doing better than the defending Western Conference champions.
Before we all wonder whether the Warriors are planning on overhauling their entire front office and roster, it appears that their fans understand that this could be rough season. Duby Dub Dubs of Golden State of Mind, SB Nation’s Warriors blog, wrote that their fans, for now, are “embracing the tank.” Though I haven’t said the word “tank” in regard to this season just yet, Wizards fans are in a similar spot this season — and we are enjoying this current squad’s effort despite the losses.
The Wizards will not meet the Warriors until Feb. 3 at Capital One Arena. They will make the return trip to the new Chase Center on Mar. 1.