top of page
Writer's pictureCardell Dudley Jr

Washington Wizards vs Cleveland Cavaliers Preview



Wizards 0-1 vs Cavaliers 2-0

When: Saturday, October 26th, at 7:00p.m.

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

TV: MNMT, NBA League Pass

Radio: SiriusXM NBA Radio






Injury:

Wizards:  Saddiq Bey (Out, Knee), Malcolm Brogdon (Out, Thumb), Carlton Carrington (Probable, Left Ankle Sprain)

Cavaliers:  Max Strus (Out, Ankle), Emoni Bates (Out, Meniscus)




Keep an eye on:

Evan Mobley: has been on a terror to begin the season. The fourth year forward is leading the Cavs with 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2.5 blocks on 57/ 60/ 100 splits from the field. To bring the point home even more, he's been unstoppable...on BOTH ends of the floor. Washington has to really be aware of Mobley at all times, due to the many ways he can score the ball and his improvement as a playmaker, while, defensively, not shying away from Mobley and forcing him to work on that end as well.


Wizards 3-point Shooting: was atrocious in their loss to the Celtics to begin the 24-25 season. Washington shot 7-36 (19%) with Jordan Poole making six of the Wizards 3-pointers and are currently ranked 29th in the league in 3-point shooting. Good news is, the Cavaliers, over their first two games, haven't been that good at defending the three ball. Cleveland is allowing opponents to shoot 39 percent from deep currently as opposing teams look to space out the Cavs formidable front line of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. There will be opportunities for the Wizards guards in pick & roll/ pop/ slip actions and forwards Kyle Kuzma (who really needs to get it going) and Alex Sarr specifically to take advantage of this weakness of the Cavs. It's on them to capitalize on it.


Jordan Poole:  needs to continue to do exactly what he did in the season opener against the Celtics. Don't change a thing. It was great to see him take the lead and play aggressive, play free, play fearless and go at the champs with the intensity that said, we're here to beat ya'll. Too often, the Wizards last season, came into the game with the energy of we hope we can win and when the opposing team went on a big run, the Wizards faded and never bounced back. Poole didn't allow that type of thinking to take hold of the team against the champs, posting 26 points, 4 assists and 4 steals on 52/54/100 splits. That attitude and leadership has to continue to come from Poole if the Wizards are to make strides to defeat the Cavs and ultimately, get back on the winning track this season.




Comments


bottom of page