On Easter Sunday, the Washingtоn Wizards (14-60) will return to their home court, Capital One Arena in Washingtоn, D.C., to face the Miami Heat (40-33) in the third game of a six-game home stand. Here’s all the information you need:
Location: Capital One Arena (Washingtоn, D.C.)Time: 6:00 p.m. ETTV: Monumental Sports NetworkRadio: Team 980 & The Wizards App
ιnjury Report:
WIZARDS:
Kyle Kuzma (questionable – right heel contusion)
HEAT:
Caleb Martin (out – right ankle discomfort)
KISPERT’S IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE
Corey Kispert was the top scorer for the Wizards in their previous game, recording 23 points while shooting an impressive 75% from the field. He made 5-of-7 three-pointers, extending his streak of hitting at least one three-pointer in every game since February 4th against Phoenix. This remarkable streak has continued for 24 games.
Kispert played a crucial role in the Wizards’ previous matchup against the Heat. In that game, which took place on March 10th in South Beach, Kispert contributed 22 points, five rebounds, and six assists while shooting 53% from the field. The Wizards secured a tҺrilling 110-108 victory, with the outcome decided on the final possession.
Recently, Kispert has been an integral part of interim head coach Brian Keefe’s game plan. He has played at least 30 minutes in each of the Wizards’ last six games and has scored in double figures in all of those contests.
DENI AVDIJA SHINES
Deni Avdija is currently enjoying the best season of his career in Washingtоn, D.C. In March, the fourth-year forward has averaged 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field. His scoring average of 17.5 points per game in March is the second-highest of any month this season, narrowly trailing his February average of 20.1 points per game.
In the Wizards’ recent loss to the Detroit Pistons, Avdija led the team with 11 rebounds and nine assists. Sunday’s game presents an opportunity for the 23-year-old to achieve his fourth consecutive double-double and extend his streak of scoring in double figures to 13 games.
On the defensive end, Avdija has taken on challenging assignments, particularly with rookie wing Bilal Coulibaly out for the season due to a wrist fracture. In Sunday’s game, Avdija is likely to be matched up against Heat wing Jimmy Butler, which promises exciting action on both ends of the court.
TRAP GAME POTENTIAL?
Wizards fans may hope that the Easter Sunday game turns into a “trap game” for the Heat, considering the recent experiences of both teams.
The Heat are coming off a remarkable 60-point victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, which ranks as the seventh-largest margin of victory in NBA history. Former Wizard center Thomas Bryant led Miami with a season-high 26 points in that game. Meanwhile, the Wizards have lost their last two games after winning three consecutive games earlier this month, including a 98-87 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.
With the Wizards eager to return to the win column and the Heat riding high after their impressive victory, the home team will aim to take advantage of the potential trap game scenario.