Wizards On Cruise Control Tonight Vs. The Best In The East

After Washington’s 118-109 loss to the New York Knicks the other night, the Wizards are officially eliminated from the playoffs. Missing the playoffs secured their first round draft pick. With that being the case, you have to wonder was the playoffs ever a part of the plan for the Wizards. Their matchup tonight has an even bigger plan in mind. Not only did the Milwaukee Bucks want to make the playoffs, but they also want to make a deep playoff run. They have already secured a playoff berth, and now their focus is securing a spot in the NBA Finals.

How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks today:

Game Date: April 4, 2023

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

TV: NBC Sports Washington, NBA League Pass

Stream: FuboTV

From: Capital One Arena in Washington DC

Here is the Injury Report & 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, Kyle Kuzma is out with an ankle injury and Bradley Beal is out with knee soreness. Kristaps Porzingis is out with a non-COVID Illness. Monte Morris is out with ankle soreness and Deni Avdija is out with an elbow injury. For the Bucks, Grayson Allen is OUT-(Ankle), Khris Middleton is OUT (Knee), Meyers Leonard is probable (Calf) and Jevon Carter Is probable (Knee) vs. the Wizards.

Projected Starters

Washington Wizards:

Guards: Delon Wright, Jordan Goodwin

Forwards: Johnny Davis,Corey Kispert

Center: Daniel Gafford

Milwaukee Bucks :

Guards: Jrue Holiday, Joe Ingles

Forwards: Pat Connaughton, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Center: Brook López

Injury Report

Washington Wizards:

Kyle Kuzma-OUT (Ankle)

Bradley Beal-OUT (Knee)

Kristaps Porzingis-OUT (Non-COVID Illness)

Monte Morris-OUT (Ankle)

Deni Avdija-OUT (Elbow)

Milwaukee Bucks:

Grayson Allen-OUT (Ankle)

Khris Middleton-OUT (Knee)

Meyers Leonard-Probable (Calf)

Jevon Carter-Probable (Knee)

Post Practice with Washington Wizards G/F Deni Avdija
• Deni Johnson, Magic Avdija? Aka Deni Avdija pass to Kristaps Porznigis
• The Life of a #NBA Rook/Johnny Davis
• Many overseas fans of his tell me to tell deni they love him; what fan support means to him? pic.twitter.com/BRbOJms3tr
— Wayne Cole (@waynec0le) March 27, 2023

The Bottom Line

For the Milwaukee Bucks, games like this is a test for them mentally. They know they are the better team both on and off paper. But they have to have a mentality to put their opponents away early if they want to make a run to the NBA Finals. For the Washington Wizards, this is strictly cruise control for better or for worse. Since the Wizards are already eliminated from playoff contention, winning at this point is actually for worse. They have nothing to win or play for. We can’t expect them to risk their bodies and health of their star players. This is a time for development in guys like Johnny Davis who is finally showing some light. This is a time for extra burn for guys like Delon Wright and Daniel Gafford who could both be full time starters next season. This is a time to shine for guys like Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija who seem to be coming into their own now. Expect the Wizards to cruise in this game and lay down easily as their season is virtually over.