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3 Reasons Washington Wizards Can Claim No. 1 Seed

By Jerran Anderson

Feb 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) high five during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and guard Bradley Beal (3) high five during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks reacts against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Wizards’ Good Health

The Cleveland Cavaliers got bad news a few days ago when they were told forward Kevin Love will miss six weeks following surgery on his knee. He played three games with the knee injury, but was unable to play through it.

The 28-year-old power forward underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Valentine’s Day and is expected to miss significant time.

This bodes well for a team like the Washington Wizards for a number of reasons. First, Love was a thorn in the Wizards’ side on Feb. 6 when he scored 39 points on six three-pointers with 12 rebounds, three steals and three assists in the Cavaliers’ overtime victory.

With him sidelined, it gives Washington some time to figure things out on the defensive side of things.

The Washington Wizards are also working newly signed center Ian Mahinmi back from injury as well. He’s played in four games, so far averaging 13.3 minutes per game.

Mahinmi is known for his defensive presence and rebounding at the forward and center position, something the Wizards had a hard time guarding with Love on the floor. Getting time to work Mahinmi in the rotation at full strength could bode well for a Wizards playoff push.

The Wizards have an interesting case on their hands as the trade deadline approaches on Feb. 23. Do they find a role for Mahinmi off the bench or trade him for a better reserve asset?

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