Preview: Wizards head to Chicago looking to snap three-game losing streak - NBA.com

The Wizards (11-13) and Bulls (9-14) meet Wednesday night in Chicago, each looking to put an end to three-game slides. Which team can snap out of their cold streak and get back to winning? Here's all the information you need.

WHERE: United Center (Chicago, IL)
WHEN: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports Washington Plus
RADIO: The Team 980 & The Wizards App

INJURY REPORT:

WIZARDS:
Bradley Beal (right hamstring strain -- out)
Rui Hachimura (right ankle soreness -- out)
Delon Wright (right hamstring strain -- out)

BULLS:
Lonzo Ball (left knee surgery -- out)
Alex Caruso (right ankle sprain -- questionable)
Javonte Green (right knee soreness -- doubtful)

STEPPING IN FOR BRADLEY BEAL

Early in the first quarter of the Wizards' last game against the Lakers, Beal went to the locker room with hamstring tightness and didn't return. It was later announced that he suffered a right hamstring strain, will miss the Wizards' next three games and will be re-evaluated in one week.

The Wizards have lost six of their last seven games, so they can't afford to relax while Beal heals up. They'll need other guys to step in and fill the void. How can they do that?

Just like they did in the previous six games in which Beal has not played this season, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis will have to be even more aggressive offensively than they already are. Kuzma will have to create on the perimeter and Porzingis will have to knock down shots. Corey Kispert will have to create looks by cutting off the ball and cashing in on 3-point opportunities. And Deni Avdija will need to be a threat with the ball in his hands.

Being successful in the NBA requires a "next man up" mentality, and the Wizards have shown they're capable of doing that.

CONTROLLING THE 3-POINT LINE

The Bulls are last in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game by a relatively large margin, shooting just 28.7 per game. Their lack of success from behind the arc is part of why they've been struggling on offense this season with the 26th-best offensive rating in the league.

The Wizards' defense has been slipping lately, but this is an opportunity to get things back on track. The Bulls do most of their damage from the midrange, and that style of play can be an opposing defense's best friend.

If the Wizards can dominate the 3-point battle, they'll have a good chance to come away with a road win.

GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START

In the Wizards' last two games, they've dug themselves into a big hole early. They almost completed a comeback against the Hornets behind Beal's impressive scoring outburst but came up just short. Then, without Beal in the Lakers game, they couldn't ever truly make a comeback and get back into the game in a competitive way.

If the Wizards fall behind early again, it'll be tough to make a comeback without their leading man Beal. Getting off to a nice start and playing from ahead is crucial in this one.

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2022-12-07 13:04:00Z
CBMiaWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm5iYS5jb20vd2l6YXJkcy9uZXdzL3ByZXZpZXctd2l6YXJkcy1oZWFkLXRvLWNoaWNhZ28tbG9va2luZy10by1zbmFwLXRocmVlLWdhbWUtbG9zaW5nLXN0cmVha9IBAA

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