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NBA: Two Darkhorse Title Contenders in Each Conference

By Evan Massey

Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) signals a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) signals a play during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-87. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 119-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 119-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Eastern Conference – Washington Wizards

Randy Wittman and the Washington Wizards aren’t on the championship watch anymore due to their inconsistent play since the All-Star break. They are the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race at this point in time, and have a 42-33 record. Over their last 10 games, they are 5-5 and have shown impressive and depressing moments.

John Wall and Bradley Beal are the leaders of the Wizards’ franchise, and they are going to be the leaders down the stretch of the season.

Washington has an excellent mix of young players to go along with veterans, and that is very important when the playoffs roll around. They had excellent playoff experience last year in their playoff run against both the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, and that will also be important this year.

There are a few different things that the Wizards will need to do if they want to make that run. First of all they will need to take care of the basketball better, as they only average 1.7 assists per turnover. Secondly, they need to score much more consistently than they have over the past month. They went on a five game winning streak this past month, but then backed that up with a four game losing streak. Inconsistency kills teams in the playoffs, and that cannot happen if the Wizards are going to make a run in the playoffs.

That being said, the Wizards have quite a bit going in their favor as well as they wind down the regular season.

As far as their back-court is concerned, they are one of the best in the league when they’re at full health. There aren’t many defenses that can match up with the speed, athleticism and skill that Wall and Beal have. Washington has averaged 15.1 fast break points per game, while only giving up 11.7 to their opponents.

Another big part of their playoff chances rests on their front-court of Nene and Marcin Gortant. They are both more than capable of imposing their will on opponents, and will be asked to do so in seven games of each series they play in.

All of that being said, Washington is a team to keep an eye on in the Eastern Conference. If they play up to their full potential, there is no doubt that they can knock off either the Atlanta Hawks or Cleveland Cavaliers. Assuming they take care of the few holes that they have, they will get back on track at the right time.

Next: Western Conference - Brooklyn Nets