Courtesy: CBS Local Washington
The Washington Wizards have not been over .500 since October 31, 2009. The Wizards have been unable to get the win needed to get over the .500 mark this season. They are currently 18-19 and fighting to make a post season push. With a monstrous win last night against the defending champion, Heat, the Wizards look all but poised to finally achieve that mark.
Washington’s most recent attempt to reach a winning record was spoiled by the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas beat Washington in an 87-78 loss at the Verizon Center. Washington is currently 4-5 in the year 2014. The Wizards need to continue to play strong and close out January on a high note if they want to be over .500 before the NBA All-Star break.
Washington has 8 games left in the month of January. To get over the .500 mark sooner than later, they need to win at least five of their remaining games; there are some tough matchups left but have already surpassed their biggest hurdle against Miami at home. The upcoming schedule includes the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers. Realistically, they should only be underdogs against the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors (yet with that win against the Heat nothing looks insurmountable).
This season Washington is currently averaging 97.8 PPG. For the month of January, the Wizards are averaging 92.6PPG. Offensively, the Wizards need to pick up their performance to regain a winning record. Washington has a golden opportunity to do so, especially with expectations to win the majority of their games before the NBA All-Star. With a strong finish in the second half, they could even grab a high seed in the Eastern Conference.
Courtesy: Washington Post
If that does happen, the home court advantage could drastically help their playoff chances, as they would avoid teams like the Pacers or Heat until the second round. Imagine a first round series against Chicago, New York, Atlanta or Detroit; Washington should focus on trying to grab a realistic playoff matchup, will the benefit of the Verizon Center for four games (if necessary).
The Wizards have been notoriously slow starters, so coming of the mid-season hiatus, it would definitely benefit for a couple game cushion over the mendoza line. They may need a few weeks to get back into a groove and cannot afford to drop in the Eastern Conference standings.
The remaining schedule for the months of January and February makes getting over the .500 mark, before All-Star break, a very realistic option for the Washington…unless they start to realize they are the Wizards again.
All information credited to NBA.com and the WashingtonPost.com
