Can the Wizards make Friday’s game a bit closer?

The Washington Wizards suffered one of their regular poundings earlier in October to the Cavaliers, to the tune of allowing 135 points in 48 minutes, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers by just 19, 116-135. I say “just” since last season they lost to those same Cavaliers by 39 points, 140-101. Well the loss in October was in D.C., so we may very well see the Cavaliers get a win similar to the one last year… Or, maybe they’ll just rest multiple starters and roll some G-League guys. Let’s see…

Game Info

When: Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland

How to watch: LeaguePass

Injury Report

Wizards: Kyle Kuzma, Tristan Vukcevic (GTD), Saddiq Bey (Out)

Cavaliers: Dean Wade, Max Strus, Emoni Bates (Out)

Pre-game notes

The Wizards should get a defensive-minded coach – I said this last year, the year before, and I say it this year too. It’s OK to tank, but at least the defense should look more cohesive. Which brings me to the next point…

The Jordan Poole experiment is over? — I have asked this one last year… and it remains unanswered… Playing Poole for meaningful minutes distorts the ability of the youngsters to develop any sort of defensive identity. Plus, he’s not a leader. Which begs the question: wouldn’t the Wiz increase Poole’s trade value by actually sitting him and having him come off the bench?

Flashback: Lowlights from last year

The Wizards lost badly to the Cavaliers last year. Now they meet again in the same place. Here are the highlights (or, really, lowlights) from that embarrassing outing: