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What Must The Wizards Do With Zion Williamson Tonight

The Washington Wizards Are Taking On The New Orleans Pelicans Tonight. What Must They Do To Lock Down Zion Williamson?

SI Editorial

What Must The Wizards Do With Zion Williamson Tonight
What Must The Wizards Do With Zion Williamson Tonight /
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The Washington Wizards are hosting the New Orleans Pelicans tonight in Washington in a game that they need to win to gain some confidence as a team. The Pelicans have one of the better rosters in the league led by Zion Williamson who is often criticized for his weight and conditioning. This game will be an interesting one as news is now public that the Wizards may be on the move as early as 2028 with a plan to have a new arena built just outside of D.C. Tonight, the Wizards may come out with a boost of energy to give the people what they want, a win on their home court.

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How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. New Orleans Pelicans today:

Game Date: December 13, 2023

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

TV: Monumental Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Stream: Youtube TV

From: Capital One Arena in Washington DC

Projected Starters

Washington Wizards:

Guards: Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones

Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija

Center: Daniel Gafford (Game Time Decision)

New Orleans Pelicans:

Guards: CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram

Forwards: Herbert Jones, Zion Williamson (Game Time Decision)

Center: Jonas Valanciunas

Injury Report

Washington Wizards:

Delon Wright: OUT (Knee)

Ryan Rollins: OUT (Knee)

Johnny Davis: OUT (Calf)

Landry Shamet: OUT (Rib)

Eugene Omoyuri: OUT (Concussion)

Daniel Gafford: Day-To-Day (Ankle)

New Orleans Pelicans:

Zion Williamson: Day-To-Day (Ankle)

Dereon Seaborn: Day-To-Day (2-Way)

Larry Nance Jr: OUT (Rib)

Matt Ryan: OUT (Elbow)

The Bottom Line

Some things in life are easier said than done. Those things could include anything in life, including stopping Zion Williamson. He has appeared on the injury report with an ankle injury. However, if he is able to go, he will be a tough matchup for the Wizards. He is so strong and physical and even quick, he poses a threat on the defensive end for every team in the league. 

The Wizards will do well to build a wall the way opponents do when guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. They have to keep Zion away from the basket. He needs to be forced to take jumpshots. The real problem the Wizards will have is slowing down Brandon Ingram. He is a hybrid Kevin Durant. He’s tall, strong, able to control the rock and beat you down in the post too. 

The Wizards will lean upon Deni Avdija to stop Ingram in this game. They have to control the boards and keep this game close if they want to win. They also need Jordan Poole to step up because he has been a no show being held under 20 points in five of the last six games. This indeed is a critical game for Poole and the Wizards.

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