Justin

Champagnie

Initially ruled out for Sunday’s game, Black is now available. While it’s unknown what changed since he was never listed as questionable, Justin Champagnie’s one-game suspension could have been a factor. There isn’t much to gain from rostering Black, but he should play rotation minutes.

Champagnie got into it with Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams during the second quarter of Saturday’s game, sparking an altercation that led to those two being ejected, along with Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace. Champagnie will serve his one-game suspension on Sunday, which could lead to Jamir Watkins moving into the starting lineup. Also, Washington’s Anthony Gill was fined $35,000 for his role in the fight.

Sunday’s game will be the second that Johnson has missed in as many days. Justin Champagnie moved into the starting lineup for Saturday’s loss to the Thunder, and that should remain the case on Sunday. Hopefully, he plays longer than he did against the champs, as Champagnie was ejected during the second quarter for his role in an altercation that led to three Thunder players being tossed.

Champagnie and Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams got into an altercation late in the second quarter, which would eventually involve players from both teams. In addition to those two, Oklahoma City’s Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace were ejected for escalating the altercation. With the action spilling into the stands, it’s possible that the NBA hands out a few suspensions in the coming days.

The Wizards will not have Tre Johnson for Saturday’s game, as he is out with a foot injury. Coulibaly replaces him in the lineup after a one-game absence, while Champagnie’s inclusion comes at Sharife Cooper’s expense.

Johnson was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Thunder, but has since been ruled out with a foot injury. Expect Justin Champagnie to play with the 20-year-old Johnson sidelined after he was out of the rotation in Thursday’s loss to the Pistons.

While Riley returned to the Wizards’ lineup on Thursday after missing Tuesday’s loss to the Pistons, Johnson has been a fixture in the starting five since the All-Star break. If either sits on Saturday, Justin Champagnie may return to the rotation after not playing on Thursday.

Coulibaly will remain sidelined for a second straight game with this heel injury. Originally, it was just the second leg of a back-to-back, but another absence is more concerning. Justin Champagnie should be in line for another start.

With Trae Young (quad), Bilal Coulibaly (heel) and Julian Reese (inactive), Carrington, Champagnie and Gill will enter the starting lineup. Gill played a large role off the bench on Monday, but Carrington was ejected in the third quarter, and Champagnie didn’t see the floor at all. However, all three will receive an upside boost as starters, though the matchup isn’t favorable.

George sustained the elbow injury in the third quarter of Monday’s loss to Houston, and it will cost him at least one game. With both George and Watkins out of action, the Wizards will need to lean more heavily on Will Riley and Justin Champagnie.