#3: Their Schedule Isn’t Doing Them Any Favors
The Washington Wizards open the season with 11 of their first 20 games against playoff teams from a season ago. That isn’t the easiest way for a team to start a new season, especially one that is trying to incorporate new members into the rotation while also dealing with getting everyone back into the flow of the NBA season. Playing tough competition could be a good way for the Wizards to determine what kind of team they are after a certain point in the season, however.
If they are successful through this rough stretch, it could strengthen the locker room and give them invaluable confidence heading into the next portion of the season. Conversely, if they struggle, it could greatly impact locker room morale. The Wizards have a lot of strong personalities and colorful characters in their locker room, and adverse situations may not be positive for them.
11 of the Wizards first 20 games are at home, so while they may be facing tough competition, they can do so in front of their home crowd. They had a respectable home record of 23-18 last season, and fared better in Washington than they did on the road. That bodes well for their chances in this upcoming stretch of games to open the season.
