How Will The Wizards Stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
If you recall, Shai Gilgeous Alexander was the reason the Washington Wizards loss their last meeting vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder. Washington’s defense was struggling early on in the season but has picked up the slack as of lately. One thing that hasn’t changed is the play of SGA. The man is a lock to make the Allstar Game and looks to be a very promising building block for the Thunder. How will the Wizards slow the star down?
How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Game Date: Jan 6, 2023
Game Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
TV: NBC Sports Washington, NBA League Pass
Stream: FuboTV
From: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Injury Report
Here is the Injury Report and Projected Starters for both teams heading into tonight’s game. Projected Starters are subject to change and could be a game-time decision.
For the Wizards, Taj Gibson (Groin) is questionable with injuries. Bradley Beal is out with a hamstring injury. For The Thunder, Osmane Dieng (Wrist), Chet Holmgren (Foot), Jaylin Williams (Ankle), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (Ankle) and Aleksej Pokusevski (Leg) are out with injuries for Oklahoma tonight vs. the Wizards.
Washington Wizards:
Bradley Beal-Out (Hamstring)
Taj Gibson-Questionable (Groin)
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Ousmane Dieng-OUT (Wrist)
Jeremiah Robinson-Earl-OUT (Ankle)
Jaylin Williams-OUT (Ankle)
Aleksej Pokusevski-Out (Leg)
Chet Holmgren-Out (Foot)
The Starting Lineups
Washington Wizards:
Guards: Corey Kispert, Monte Morris
Forwards: Kristaps Porzingis, Kyle Kuzma
Center: Daniel Gafford
Oklahoma City Thunder:
Guards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey
Forwards: Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams
Center: Mike Muscala
Wizards G Delon Wright will need to be aggressive tonight on both ends of the floor - USA Today
The Bottom Line
The Wizards will need to be aggressive with SGA. In today’s NBA, it’s hard to play defense because everything’s a foul nowadays. However, after he lit them up in their previous meeting, they will have no choice but to be aggressive and physical with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They will do well to throw different defenders at him. At 6’6 playing Point Guard, he has the size of a wing with the playing style of a guard. It would be wise to throw differently players at him. Monte Morris can start with him. However, switch it up and throw Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura, and Will Barton at him. Deni Avdija and Delon Wright will be solid options as well. Washington wins this game if they slow the deserving All Star down tonight.
