2012 NBA Schedule: Washington Wizards’ First Week Preview

Published: 26th Jul 12 9:20 pm
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2012 NBA Schedule: Washington Wizards’ First Week Preview
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Not often is it that the Washington Wizards are the centerpiece of an article previewing the NBA season. Nobody has ever cared enough about the lackluster franchise enough, and rightfully so. However, with some smart moves and key draft picks (I’m talking about you Tomas Satoransky!)

No, but seriously, apparently he has great potential.), the team in the nation’s capital is headed the right direction to make some noise- maybe even enough noise to remind Obama that they still exist.

Nonetheless, with all jokes aside, the Wizards have created a dangerous roster that could compete with most teams in the league. And, with a backcourt with the average age of 21 (John WallBradley BealJordan CrawfordShelvin Mack, Satoransky and A.J. Price), the young and up-coming Wizards could be a threat in the NBA’s top-heavy Eastern Conference for years to come.

With that in mind, the Wizards open up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 30th, as one of the six teams to do so. Washington’s matchup against Cleveland will undoubtedly be an entertaining one, as two of the top point guards in Wall and 2012 NBA Rookie Of The Year, Kyrie Irving grind it out.

At the two spot, rookies Beal and Dion Waiters will try to prove their worth, in what could end up as a shootout between the two. Personally, I look forward to seeing Tristan Thompson after a disappointing rookie season, and what progress he has made. Ultimately, this game should be an easy win for the Wizards.

Following the Wizards’ first game, the crew takes on the Boston Celtics, who have been at the center of a lot drama lately. With two risky picks in Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo, and Ray Allen taking his talents to South Beach, the Celtics will have an interesting season for sure.

My bold prediction for the Celts this year: they’ll either be really good–or really bad.

Nevertheless, it can’t overlooked that the Celtics still have a top-5 point guard in Rajon Rondo and two of the best veterans in the game–Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

The new “Big Three” will definitely be a tough matchup for the Wizards, but something tells me the Wizards, with their revamped roster, could take on the aging Celtics. Washington is much more athletic than Boston, something they could use to help them secure a victory. All in all, I say the Wizards barely get passed the Celtics, but still come up with the W.

Did I just predict an undefeated first week for the Wizards? Yes I did- and expect many more to come.

 

Follow me on Twitter: @stephench0

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