Washington Wizards Expected to Fall in NBA Power Rankings After Loss to Detroit Pistons

The Washington Wizards were climbing and had a chance to get even higher, but blew it in their loss to the Detroit Pistons.

The Washington Wizards are looking to get back into the win column on Thursday as they travel to face the New York Knicks. 

In a lot of ways, it should be the Wizards' chance to win three games in a row before welcoming NBA Rookie of the Year candidate Victor Membenyama and the San Antonio Spurs to Capital One on Saturday.

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But, because of a massive letdown performance against the Detroit Pistons, their last time out Washington is once again starting over at zero wins and is still the only team in the league to not achieve back-to-back wins this season.

Despite all of that, the Wizards were No. 26 in the latest NBA Power Rankings and climbing from No. 28 the week prior after beating the Atlanta Hawks with a relatively impressive defensive performance.

In the win, Washington held the Hawks down in shooting percentage and had allowed just a 46 percent field goal percentage in the paint against them and the Indiana Pacers in the previous game, combined.

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) speaks with referee Kevin Cutler (34) after being ejected during the second half against the Detroit Piston at Capital One Arena / Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The 36 points in the paint surrendered by the Wizards against Atlanta tied for their lowest allowed production this season. The last time they achieved this was against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 28th. 

Both of those outings represent two of the team's seven wins so far this year.

But they allowed 60 in this latest loss, against a Pistons team ranked dead last - 30th - in the same power rankings.

So, there's no chance Washington doesn't fall in the next stacking of NBA franchises, and the only way up right now seems to be selling off as many pieces not named guard Bilal Coulibaly and forward Deni Avdija.

Although, if the Wizards are going to actively seek to keep Avdija from earning triple-doubles while the team is losing, they might as well trade him too.

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Some have wondered if it can get any worse than losing to Detroit, seeing forward Kyle Kuzma ejected, and witnessing even more teammates arguing with guard Jordan Poole. 

The answer is, 'yes', it can. And it might if Washington finds itself truly at the very bottom of the NBA power rankings next week.

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You can follow David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82

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