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NBA: 5 Teams That Look To Make Playoff Push

By Colby Giacubeno

Dec 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo (9) dribbles as Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) defends during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) is helped off the field by guard Bradley Beal (3) and guard Gary Neal (14) after suffering an apparent leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Verizon Center. Dallas Mavericks won 116 – 104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) is helped off the field by guard Bradley Beal (3) and guard Gary Neal (14) after suffering an apparent leg injury against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Verizon Center. Dallas Mavericks won 116 – 104. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Wizards

Current record: 23-28

Games behind the eight seed: 3

The Wizards can be claimed as one of–if not the– most disappointing teams in the NBA a little more than halfway through the season. After an impressive showing in last season’s playoffs, which included a sweep of the Toronto Raptors in the opening round, the Wizards’ young core raised expectations to potentially reach the Conference Finals and battle LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

The transition to small-ball for the Wizards hasn’t gone as smoothly as they would’ve hoped, especially on the defensive end. After being top 10 defensively last season, they have dropped to 26th allowing an alarming 105.4 points per game. They’re also dead last in rebounding, and they haven’t given any reason to believe they can improve throughout the rest of the season.

Luckily, they have one of the top point guards in the league in John Wall that gives them a star to lean on and bring them into the playoff picture. The three-time all-star is averaging 20 points, 9.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on the season.

Injuries have also played a monumental role in the Wizards’ struggles. For about a third of their games this season, it wasn’t shocking to see 10 or less players suit up on game day. But now with Bradley Beal, Nene, and Gary Neal all healthy, the Wizards can look to solidify their rotation for a final push. The East is stronger than in recent years, but the Wizards have the experience and roster to continue playing through late April.

Next: New York