Wizards guard John Wall makes 1st start of season

John Wall is back in the starting lineup for the Washington Wizards.

Coach Randy Wittman said Wall would start for the first time this season Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Wall had been coming off the bench since making his season debut Jan. 12. He missed the first 33 games while recovering from a stress injury to his left knee cap.

Wittman said Wall will continue to play limited minutes. Wall had been averaging 24 minutes, topping out at 31 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan. 19.

The Wizards won four of their first seven after Wall's return, with the former No. 1 overall draft pick averaging 14 points and 6.9 assists. They were 5-28 without him.