Five Questions Before James Harden's Cavaliers Home Debut vs. Wizards

The Cleveland Cavaliers are taking on the Washington Wizards in the final game of the first half of the regular season. The game also marks James Harden's first home game at Rocket Arena.

With the game coming up, we spoke with Washington Wizards On SI contributor Bryson Akins to learn more about the current state of affairs with the Cavs' upcoming opponent.

How do you feel about the Wizards' trade deadline acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis?

I think the deadline could not have gone any better for the Wizards. They essentially turned CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, and the 30th pick in this upcoming draft into Anthony Davis and Trae Young. That is just great asset management and buying low on some players that can produce at a high quality.

These are the types of moves that put the Wizards in the playoffs next season.

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis reacts after being fouled against the Sacramento Kings. | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Both Young and Davis are out with injuries, so what can the Cavs expect from the Wizards that are playing tonight?

What they can expect is whichever of the usual starters that are healthy to play the first half, and then almost sit out the entirety of the second half.

This team is clearly tanking, and rightfully so. They have a top-eight protected pick they need to keep, and if they fall outside of the top-eight in the lottery, that pick goes to the New York Knicks. Since that is a possibilty, expect them to run the two-way guys a ton in the second half.

Which NBA Draft prospect is most intriguing for the Wizards going into the summer?

The most intriguing would be Darryn Peterson. He is a guard prospect that we have not seen since maybe Derrick Rose or Kyrie Irving. He is super athletic, can create off the dribble, finish through contact, and not be a hole on defense. However, any of the top five or six prospects would be intriguing, as whoever they take could shake up their rotation.

If the Wizards were to beat to the Cavs, what would be the reason why?

The only way I see the Wizards beating the Cavs is if half the Cavs get injured. Expect the Wizards to tank hard. Even if they run Alex Sarr or other starters for 28-32 minutes, I still see no way they beat Cleveland.

They are just going to be outclassed and manhandled the entire game.

What’s your prediction for the game?

My prediction is a blowout that no one will watch except die-hard fans. I have the Cavs winning 126-93.