2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or pretender with all 16 teams

2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or Pretender – Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are one of the hottest teams in basketball right now. They closed the regular season 15-5 and just beat the Indiana Pacers handily to make it into the playoff field. Russell Westbrook is popping off triple-doubles like they are candy and Bradley Beal was the league’s second-leading scorer.

Unfortunately, they are now running into the Eastern Conference’s top seed in the Philadelphia 76ers. The Wizards, who at times like to play lineups with three guards, are a team lacking in rotation size. They shuffle through three centers but otherwise have a slim stretch-4, second-year forward Rui Hachimura and a collection of guards.

That means they will be fighting uphill defending the impossibly large 76ers, a team that makes one think of the Monstars. Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons form a collection of imposing collection of tall and long players. Add Matisse Thybulle and Danny Green and you have a lineup of Mr. Fantastics blocking driving and passing lanes.

Washington doesn’t have anyone to defend Embiid or Harris, and the 76ers have plenty of options for Westbrook and Beal. Even if somehow the Wizards captured lightning in a bottle and benefited from a Philadelphia injury or two, they don’t have the depth or versatility to win three more series and take home the title.

Verdict: Pretender