Preview: Wizards Get Instant Shot at Redemption

The Washington Wizards must put their latest loss quickly behind them before facing the Brooklyn Nets.
Feb 5, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA;  Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) box out for a rebound in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Feb 5, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) and Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) box out for a rebound in the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are getting right back in the saddle tonight as they take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Capital One Arena.

The Wizards were on the wrong end of a 20-point loss against the Orlando Magic last night where the team only trailed by two at halftime. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe explained how the team's physicality dropped for the final two quarters.

"They came out there, they were the aggressors. They put their hands on us," Keefe said of the Magic.

"They got physical. We had a level, a drop of intensity, and that really was the difference. We played a terrific first half. Our energy was high. Our defensive intensity was great. Even with a low shooting percentage, we played a really good first half. We didn't carry it over for the full game."

It will be more difficult to have that level of intensity on the second night of a back-to-back, but the Wizards will get a shot at redemption in a winnable game against the Nets.

Nets vs. Wizards Information

  • Date, Location: Monday, February 24 - Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Nets vs. Wizards Injury Report

Brooklyn Nets

PG D'Angelo Russell (OUT - ankle)

PF Noah Clowney (OUT - ankle)

SG Cam Thomas (OUT - hamstring)

Washington Wizards

SF Saddiq Bey (OUT - knee)

PG Malcolm Brogdon (OUT - ankle)

C Alex Sarr (OUT - ankle)

PG Marcus Smart (QUESTIONABLE - finger)

SF Khris Middleton (QUESTIONABLE - ankle)

Nets vs. Wizards Projected Starting Lineups

Brooklyn Nets

  • PG Killian Hayes
  • SG Keon Johnson
  • SF Ziaire Williams
  • PF Cam Johnson
  • C Nic Claxton

Washington Wizards

  • PG Jordan Poole
  • SG Bilal Coulibaly
  • SF Khris Middleton
  • PF Kyshawn George
  • C Richaun Holmes

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.