The Wizards are 3-3 despite an inconsistent first six games. They’ve won two games against inferior opponents, lost two games against superior opponents and split two contests with the Charlotte Hornets.
The true Wizards will reveal themselves over the next eight games in which they play seven 2026 playoff teams — the lone non-playoff opponent a talented Indiana Pacers squad. That stretch begins tonight in Orlando against a tough but depleted Magic group without Paolo Banchero or Jalen Suggs.
Orlando’s
weak spot is its interior defense, which ranks 18th in opponent paint points per game. The Wizards rank fifth in paint points per game (52.3), so look for Brian Keefe to feed Anthony Davis in the post and get AJ Dybantsa going downhill.
Washington’s Achilles heel has been its rebounding, which ranks 28th in the NBA. Monday presents a get-right game against a Magic squad that ranks 26th in rebounding.
Injury Report
WAS: Alex Sarr (knee soreness), Justin Champagnie (foot surgery), Anthony Gill (back spasms), Tristan Vukcevic (hip impingement), Jamir Watkins (ACL tear) are OUT.
ORL: Paolo Banchero (ankle), Jalen Suggs (knee), Anthony Black (ankle), Jonathan Isaac (knee), Izaiyah Nelson (ankle), Noah Penda (hamstring) are OUT.
Here’s who the Wizards started in the lone preseason game Sarr missed:
PG: Trae Young
SG: AJ Dybantsa
SF: Kyshawn George
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Deandre Ayton
Game information:
Opponent: Orlando Magic
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kia Center
TV: Monumental Sports Network
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
You can chat about the game in the comments below!
