Now it’s official: The Wizards have swept the Lakers in the regular-season series. Trivia fact: when have the Wizards last swept a reigning NBA Championship? Looking forward to your answers in the comments. Just before the win against the Lakers yesterday, the Washington Wizards had their impressive eight-win streak ended in dramatic fashion by the Spurs in an overtime thriller earlier this week.

And just before that, they beat the Cleveland Cavaliers for that 8th win in what was their longest winning streak in almost 20 years. Perhaps now they can start a get a new winning streak going, as they match up against the rebuilding (mmmmmmmmm, tanking) Cavs.

Game Info

When: Friday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland

How to watch: LeaguePass

Injury Report

Wizards: Thomas Bryant, Deni Avdija (Out)

Cavaliers: Matthew Dellavedova, Isaiah Hartenstein, Collin Sexton, Lamar Stevens, Taurean Prince (Day-To-Day), Larry Nance, Jr. (Out).

Pre-game notes

The Wizards get a breather in a harder part of the schedule - The Wizards are embarking on a tougher portion of the schedule: that started with the overtime Spurs nail-biter, and continues next two weeks as they meet the Bucks, Mavericks, Hawks (twice), Indiana (twice). Hence, to keep their playins hopes, this game is a must-win.

I’m seriously worried about the minutes Brad and Russ are logging - I’m going to say this again, and especially after the 42 minute game Brad and Russ logged on a back-to-back against the Spurs. That made for 81 minutes for Brad in 24 hours, and 79 for Russ. Then came the Lakers game. Nationally televised, I get it, so Russ and Beal want to show off their skills to the fans out there. Russ logs another 41 minutes. Ouch. So much for load management. Is this really worth risking an injury at this point for a playins spot? Didn’t we learn anything from the John Wall load mismanagement?

Anothony Gil - Some critics were saying he doesn’t have the size or skills for the NBA, but the last couple games have proven that if used correctly and given a chance to play he can definitely hold his own. I’d be curious to see how he does in the final stretch of the season, and whether he still gets minutes now that Rui is back. Against the Lakers Scott Brooks of course DNPed Gil in #SoScotty fashion.

Flashback: Earlier this week

The NBA has been scheduling the Wizards multiple times against the same opponent in the same week this season. Well, here are the highlights from Monday’s match in DC against the Cavs: