OKC Thunder seek first win in 2022 – Wizards preview
The OKC Thunder enter tonight’s match seeking to collect their first win of 2022. It’s the second time and final time this season they’ll face the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards last played on Sunday defeating the Orlando Magic 102-99 but have struggled themselves lately losing five of their last eight matches.
OKC Thunder seek first win of 2022 on road in Washington – Wizards Preview
As the NBA nears the halfway point of the season the OKC Thunder have already excelled many analysts expectations with 13 wins. That said, the club remains on track to be one of the teams who’ll be in the running to land one of the coveted bottom three seeds in the association.
With a trio of draft prospects earmarked as potential generational talents in the 2022 draft class that’s a wise objective for a rebuilding team to have as their goal.
The trick is trying to develop the existing talents while not falling into a situation like the Rockets recently experienced. Fortunately, the culture of the franchise and leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has kept OKC out of that scenario.
Every time the Thunder steps onto the court their opponents know this team won’t quit. Their work ethic and desire to win is ever-present but they are doing it with the youngest team on average in the league.
Washington, on the other hand, was expected to be a playoff team and while they began the season performing well they suffered a shift and are fighting to get back onto the playoff ladder. Star Bradley Beal had a rough start but in recent weeks is experiencing more success but ironically his team hasn’t translated his success into victories.
Injuries have played a role but the Wizards are getting back some core players with Rui Hachimura making his season debut against the Magic and Thomas Bryant is expected back within the next week or two at most.
What gave the Wizards an edge at season start was their depth so this is positive news for Washington. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the East has been much more competitive this season so the Wizards enter tonight sitting on the ninth rung in the East well off where they hope to be at season end.