OKC Thunder: NBA Power Rankings -Griffin buyout shifts ladder at half way mark

Washington Wizards:

Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Clippers 119-117
Lost to: Grizzlies 111-125

Week 12 opponents: @Grizzlies, 76ers, Bucks

Offense: (109.7) 21st
Defense: (113.6) 27th
Net: (Minus -3.9) 24th

Much like the Bulls the Wizards likely didn’t want to hit the break and stop their momentum having won eight of their last 11 matches.

Although the Wizards possess the 27th ranked defense that’s where they’ve made the greatest strides. Since February 14th, the Wizards rank ninth (109.8) defensively.

It also likely took time for Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook to figure out how they fit together.

The two teams who are the outliers in the East are the Wizards and Hawks. Each has elite talents but Washington doesn’t have the depth particularly with Thomas Bryant’s injury ruling him out for the season.

Throughout the first half, analysts wondered if Bradley Beal would remain in Washington past the deadline. With the team seemingly having turned the corner will the Wizards be buyers at the deadline?

Glancing at the ladder the Wizards are four games back of fourth and two games out of ninth.  Eight teams are seeded ahead of them between the fourth and eleven seeds.

Of those clubs, the Heat, Bulls, and Celtics have completed their series each taking two of the three matches. The Hawks, Hornets, Knicks, and Raptors have each won the initial game and have two to play while the Pacers have all three games left to play. Those matches will undoubtedly determine the fate of the Wizards.