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How to watch: Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
How to watch: Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
A loss to the Pelicans on Friday officially eliminated the Wizards from playoff contention and moved Washington to 0-5 in the NBA bubble. As bleak as that sentence sounds, Sunday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder is still important.
Though it won't impact this year's outcome, the final few games in Orlando offer the Wizards an opportunity to evaluate their young talent and start building toward the future. Role players and emerging talents will get a chance to work on their game against NBA competition and show their worth to the franchise.
Here's everything you need to know about the Wizards-Thunder matchup.
WIZARDS at THUNDER HOW TO WATCH
What: Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida
When: Sunday, August 9, 12:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Wizards at Thunder will be broadcast on NBC Sports Washington (NBC Sports Channel Finder)
Live Stream: You can live stream Wizards at Thunder on NBC Sports Washington's live stream page and on the MyTeams app.
Radio: Wizards Radio Network, 1500 AM
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE WIZARDS TALK PODCAST
WIZARDS at THUNDER TV SCHEDULE
11:30 PM: Wizards Pregame Live (LIVE)
12:30 PM: Washington Wizards at Oklahoma City Thunder (LIVE)
3:00 PM: Wizards Postgame Live (LIVE
RELATED: 5 TAKEAWAYS FROM LOSS TO SUNS
WIZARDS at THUNDER: WHAT TO WATCH
Working toward the future is the biggest goal for Washington right now. With no ground to gain in 2020, the Wizards sole concern should be giving their young roster an opportunity to grow each time out.
Rui Hachimura had a slow start to the resumption of play but broke out of his slump on Friday. The rookie's continued emergence is an essential part of Washington's plans for the future, and the final three games offer him an opportunity to end the season on a high note and get more comfortable in his role.
Orlando was an opportunity for Wizards players to take advantage of extra playing time, Thomas Bryant and Troy Brown Jr. have done just that. Bryant has produced in all facets of the game while Brown has shown he can score and handle the ball. Sunday is another opportunity to show their value.
RELATED: WIZ ELIMINATED, CAN STILL MAKE GAINS IN OTHER WAYS
WIZARDS at THUNDER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Thomas Bryant, C, Wizards (13.0 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.9 apg): Bryant has been a monster in Orlando. He had three straight games with a double-double followed by a 22-point, eight-rebound performance on Friday. In the pain and out on the perimeter, he's made shots. His defense has also looked better as of late.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Thunder (19.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.3 apg): The second-year guard has come into his own with the Thunder and become a big part as to why the team is still competing in the Western Conference. His size and skill will be a lot for the Wizards defense to handle.
Stay connected to the Wizards with the MyTeams app. Click here to download for comprehensive coverage of your teams.
MORE WIZARDS NEWS:
- Takeaways: Wiz lose again
- Jerome Robinson: Improving in key area
- Eliminated: Wiz out, but still have reason to play
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John Wall still amazed by his legendary HS mixtape, watches it every night
John Wall still amazed by his legendary HS mixtape, watches it every night
John Wall was a star at the University of Kentucky, the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft and has since become a five-time All-Star for the Wizards. But his most enduring basketball legacy may have been established in high school, when he was the subject of what to this day stands as arguably the most legendary high school mixtape ever.
It was 2009 and right during the rise of YouTube when highlights of Wall went viral in a way that is much more common today. Back then, it was a new phenomenon and that has left Wall with being credited by many for the best and most influential mixtape of all-time.
Wall looked back on that famous video on Friday night with Chris Miller on NBC Sports Washington's 'Wizards Pregame Live.' Even all these years later, Wall is still amazed at the whole experience.
"Everybody says I’ve got the best one," Wall said. "When I look back at myself doing this in high school, I’m like there’s no way a kid 16 or 17 years old is supposed to be doing the things I was doing. I was just super [athletically] advantaged. Thank God for my ability and me just wanting to work hard and be great."
Wall, in fact, says he still watches the video very often. Like, on an everyday basis.
"I watch this every night before I go to bed. I watch it all the time and I just be like ‘there’s no way I was doing this at that age.’ It’s dope for me to see it," Wall said.
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That may surprise some, but keep in mind the place Wall has been for the last two years. He hasn't played in an organized basketball game since December of 2018 thanks to a slew of injuries, most notably a ruptured Achilles he had surgically repaired in February of 2019.
He is also obsessed with the game of basketball in general and says he constantly watches games of all levels and of both men and women's hoops. Maybe watching his old highlights can help Wall return to his previous form once he finally returns to the floor.
Stay connected to the Wizards with the MyTeams app. Click here to download for comprehensive coverage of your teams.
MORE WIZARDS NEWS:
- Wall & Beal: Rumors add fuel to the fire
- Jerome Robinson: Improving in key area
- Rui's future: Beal sees him at SF