Why Is Today A Must-Win For The Wizards?

The Washington Wizards continue to lose. After returning from the NBA All-Star Break, they lost a very winnable game at home versus the New York Knicks where Kristaps Porzingis was totally dominant from the field. He was red hot from beyond the ark. He now is expected to miss this game today versus the Chicago Bulls due to left knee soreness. The Bulls on the other hand, are fighting for their playoff lives. It’s obvious they are trying to make the playoffs after acquiring veteran PG Patrick Beverly. The Wizards are just a game and a half above them in the standings for 10th place in the East, which is the last play-in tournament spot. Today is a must win for both teams if they have hopes of making the Playoffs.

How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. Chicago Bulls today:

Game Date: February 26, 2023

Game Time: 3:30 p.m. EST

TV: NBC Sports Washington, NBA League Pass

Stream: FuboTV

From: United Center in Chicago, Illinois

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, Kristaps Porzingis is out with knee soreness. Also for the Wizards, Monte Morris is now out with low back soreness. For the Bulls, Lonzo Ball (Knee) Goran Dragic (Knee) and Javonte Green (Knee) are out for tonight’s game vs. the Wizards.

Washington Wizards:

Kristaps Porzingis-OUT (Knee)

Monte Morris - OUT (Low Back Soreness)

Chicago Bulls:

Lonzo Ball-OUT (Knee)
Goran Dragic-OUT (Knee)
Javonte Green-OUT (Knee)

Projected Starting Lineups

Washington Wizards:

Guards: Bradley Beal, TBD with Monte Morris now out just before game time

Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija

Center: Daniel Gafford

Chicago Bulls:

Guards: Patrick Beverley, Alex Caruso

Forwards: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozen

Center: Nikola Vucevic

The Bottom Line

As this season continues, I continue to look at the Million Dollar Man in Bradley Beal with growing concerns. While he is playmaking a bit more, his scoring is down and that is a bit alarming. While he has been banged up throughout the season, the Wizards still need him to score the basketball the way we all are accustomed to him doing. With Kristaps Porzingis being out, Bradley Beal must step up to win this game vs. the hungry Chicago Bulls. They will also need some scoring off the bench as well. Once again, they will need Kyle Kuzma to carry the team defensively. They have to slow down Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. This won’t be an easy task, however it can be done.