Washington Wizards Center Daniel Gafford IN; New Orleans Pelicans Forward Zion Williamson OUT
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Washington Wizards (3-19) have lost that winning feeling this season but are hoping to get back on track on Wednesday night against the visiting New Orleans Pelicans (13-11).
The good news for the Wizards is that they'll have center Daniel Gafford available as they try and defend a Pelicans team featuring quite a few guys known for their size and how they use it to their advantage.
Countering that ability, says Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr., will be the key to coming away with a win on Wednesday night.
"I think the big thing for us tonight is protecting the paint," Unseld said before the game. "That was a bit of an issue for us last couple of games but they're a high ISO team, obviously very proficient offensively offensive rebounding team. Can we just wall them off (and) keep them out of the paint? Ideally do that without fouling."
Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) celebrates after scoring a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Washington won 101-99.
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Helping the Wizards' efforts to stop the Pelicans will be the absence of forward Zion Williamson (ankle) who will be forced to miss this contest.
Of course, New Orleans likely felt more confident in shutting him down because of the current stature Washington carries into the game.
The absence of Williams makes the availability of Gafford all the more important.
"He gives us, you know, another presence," Unseld Jr. said of Gafford. "He's been great at protecting the rim, whether blocking shots, altering, you know, using his rule of verticality to change possessions around the paint. So it's good to have that."
Washington and the Pelicans tip-off at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday night.
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