Wizards at Lakers
The Washington Wizards have been given a taste of what it's like to play in the uptempo Western Conference — and it hasn't suited them at all. The Wizards look to bounce back from a pair of rough defensive efforts as they continue their four-game road trip Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Washington dropped the opener of its trek 117-111 in overtime to Sacramento, then squandered a fast start en route to a 116-103 defeat at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers.
While the Lakers may not win many games these days, they'll still provide a worthy challenge on the offensive end. Los Angeles has one of the fastest paces in the NBA, evidenced by the fact that the winning team in each of its past seven games has scored at least 114 points. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that has too often been the opposition; Los Angeles has dropped six of those seven games, most recently both ends of a home-and-home with San Antonio.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, CSMA (Washington), TWSN (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (35-33): Washington prides itself on being a tough out on the road; even after losing back-to-back games to Sacramento and Portland, the Wizards are one of only four Eastern Conference teams with a winning road mark. But their defensive showing against the Kings and Trail Blazers is cause for concern: the Wizards surrendered 30 or more points in five of eight regulation quarters and another 17 to the Kings in overtime. John Wall was the lone bright spot in the loss to the Trail Blazers, racking up 24 points and 14 assists.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (22-45): Los Angeles may have a familiar face available against the Wizards. Point guard Steve Nash went through a full practice on Thursday and showed no effects of the nerve irritation that has kept him out of the lineup since Feb. 11, clearing the way for him to possibly return to action. The Lakers could use all the help they can get at the point, with Kendall Marshall the only healthy player at that position and Los Angeles forced to use Xavier Henry there for stretches during Wednesday's loss to the Spurs.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Washingon prevailed 116-111 in their last encounter Nov. 26 and has won three of four in the series.
2. Wall averages 20.3 points and 12 assists in four career meetings with the Lakers.
3. Los Angeles is allowing an average of 125 points in March.