NBA Preview: Washington opens the season in Indiana

The Wizards are hoping to start out their season with a win for the second straight 12 months. They head to Indianapolis to tackle the Pacers as two-point favorites.

Gametime: 7:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 19

The place: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

TV: NBC Sports activities Washington

Accidents: WIZARDS—Corey Kispert, OUT (left ankle sprain); Vernon Carey Jr., QUESTIONABLE (Concussion protocol). PACERS—Aaron Nesmith, QUESTIONABLE (sore left foot); Jalen Smith, QUESTIONABLE (sore proper knee); Daniel Theis – OUT (sore proper knee).

Washington is absolutely wholesome outdoors of Corey Kispert. This might be our first take a look at Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis collectively in a daily season Wizards recreation. Deni Avdija can even be in motion for the primary time this 12 months after lacking the preseason. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. didn’t rule out a minute restriction for both Porzingis or Avdija, however appeared optimistic about their well being earlier this week.

The beginning lineup will present speedy intrigue. Monte Morris and Beal will begin on the guard spots. Porzingis begins at heart and Kuzma will get a ahead spot. Will Barton, Rui Hachimura, and Avdija fought over the opposite ahead spot.

Unseld Jr. mentioned he has had the beginning lineup just about set since coaching camp, however has not revealed it. Hachimura began the primary two preseason video games and led the workforce in preseason minutes. However Barton began all 4 preseason video games. He’s the favourite to be within the beginning lineup in opposition to the Pacers with Avdija nonetheless coming back from harm.

Indiana is a rebuilding workforce with some items from the previous they’ll look to commerce. Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Chris Duarte will take a look at Washington’s perimeter protection, particularly their spot-up protection. Buddy Hield and Myles Turner are established NBA gamers who present matchup issues for the Wizards. The Wizards are favored to win this recreation, however the matchup might be an excellent measuring stick for the place this workforce is true now.

Washington went 2-2 in opposition to Indiana final 12 months. However each these wins got here at residence they usually’ve gone 1-5 in Indianapolis since 2018. The Wizards are on the street to open the season for the fourth straight season and the ninth time in 11 seasons. They’ve gone 3-7 of their final 10 season openers, however they did beat Toronto 98-83 within the first recreation of the 2021-22 season. Washington final opened the season in opposition to the Pacers in 2007 once they misplaced 110-119 in Indianapolis.