Washington Wizards: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards jumpball between Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a pre-season game on October 10, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images /

2. The Wizards will win the Eastern Conference

The Washington Wizards had a down year in 2017-18, but the season before that, they were well on their way to finishing on top in the East. This year, there’s no LeBron James in the Eastern Conference, leaving things wide open for the top seed. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are early favorites, but don’t be surprised if the Wizards come out on top in the East in 2018-19.

Washington is coming off a rollercoaster season, but the good thing about it is Bradley Beal made his first All-Star game. One significant change will be Dwight Howard in the starting rotation, once he’s healthy. Howard is certainly a bigger presence on both ends than Marcin Gortat and if he fits into his role, he could pay dividends as a defensive stopper in the East.

Beal had to take on more duties last season but it paid off in the end with him averaging a career-high 4.5 assists per game. Since developing as a secondary ball-handler, the Wizards also acquired Austin Rivers in the backcourt.

Rivers and Satoransky give them a strong backcourt off the bench while Jeff Green and Kelly Oubre Jr. should both fare very well on the wings. They’re set to be a deep team, which certainly wasn’t the case last season. Don’t be surprised if the Washington Wizards emerge as a favorite in the East now.

Home/Washington Wizards