Wizards at Magic
THE STORY: The winless Washington Wizards look to avoid a franchise low against a daunting opponent as they visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The Wizards have never opened a season with six straight losses, but are on the verge of doing just that as they take on a Magic team that has won its first three home games so far this season. Washington is coming off back-to-back losses to the Boston Celtics, finally showing signs of life in its last contest after failing to score more than 86 points in any of its first four games. The Wizards led going into the fourth quarter before fading down the stretch to remain the lone winless team in the league. The Magic dropped an 89-78 decision in Detroit on Monday, a decision that halted a four-game winning streak. Orlando has dominated the head-to-head matchup with the Wizards, winning six consecutive meetings.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Washington, Sun Sports, NBA TV
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (0-5): Forget learning how to Dougie - point guard John Wall needs to learn how to shoot. The former first overall pick is hitting on less than 32 percent of his attempts, including a dreadful 4-for-13 performance in Monday's loss to the Celtics. While he showed plenty of positive attributes - racking up eight assists, two steals and two blocks - his struggles from the field and seven turnovers Monday night reveal a player who is still learning the NBA game.
ABOUT THE MAGIC (4-2): A condensed schedule doesn't leave teams much time to mull over tough losses. That should work in Orlando's favor after the team managed just 32 second-half points against the Pistons. Dwight Howard only grabbed seven rebounds after compiling 63 boards in his previous three games. He had his way with the Wizards in four meetings last season, averaging 27.5 points on an obscene 75.9 percent from the field.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Orlando has scored in double figures in each of its six straight wins over Washington. The Wizards' last victory in the series came on Feb. 5, 2010.
2. Magic F Ryan Anderson has hit the 20-point plateau four times already. He managed 20 or more points just five times in 64 games last season.
3. Wizards C JaVale McGee has averaged 16.5 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks in his last two games and should provide a reasonable challenge for Howard.