The Wizards are in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. But that’s all that’s assured. With a strong finish in its final five games, No. 5 Washington (40-37) could catch slumping No. 4 Cleveland (42-35) and earn the home court advantage in an opening-round series with the Cavaliers.
But that won’t be easy. Left onthe Wizards’ schedule are the top three teams in the Eastern Conference, plus No. 6 Philadelphia (39-38), which lurks a game behind Washington. No. 7 Toronto (38-39), with Chris Bosh back from an injury, could also catch the Wizards.
Here’s a look at how the Wizards stack up against their potential first-round foes.
Cleveland
With two straight opening-round series wins, the Cavs are the Wizards’ nemesis. But, this time, Washington has reason to be confident as Cleveland is struggling to incorporate deadline-day acquisitions Delonte West, Ben Wallace, Joe Smith and Wally Szczerbiak — losing five of its last seven.
The Wizards also are emboldened by a 101-99 win, March, 13, when they, for once, had an answer for LeBron James in the fourth quarter. Prior to that, ingames decided by single digits, Cleveland had beaten Washington in eight straight, with James usually thrusting the dagger.
Subplot » The Wizards’ defensive stopper, DeShawn Stevenson, has openly professed his disdain for James and would be matched-up on the NBA scoring leader.
Prediction » Cleveland has King James and a strong defense, but would have its hands full with Washington’s arsenal of weapons.
Wizards, 4-2
Orlando
The Magic have clinched the No. 3 seed and awaits the sixth-place finisher in the East, which could be decided Saturday when Philadelphia (39-38) plays at Washington. The winner of that game is likely to grab the No. 5 seed with the loser dropping to No. 6.
The Magic defeated the Wizards twice at Verizon Center — the only team to accomplish that feat this season. But Washington rebounded on March 19, with an 87-86 win in Orlando as C Brendan Haywood held Magic All-Star Dwight Howard to a season-low three points.
Subplot » Orlando F Hedo Turkoglu, averaging career-highs in points (19.6), rebounds (5.9) and assists (4.9), was an All-Star Game snub. He would love to show his value against the Wizards’ pair of All-Star Fs Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Turkoglu outscored Butler 39-11 in the last meeting.
Prediction » Howard gives Orlando a big edge in the pivot, but Washington is much deeper and has a significant advantage in the backcourt.
Wizards, 4-3
If the Wizards were to fall below Toronto (38-39) and to the No. 7 slot, their fate would be an uninviting first-round match-up with the No. 2 Pistons (54-21), who have the second best record in the NBA.
Detroit’s veteran core of Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace has been together since 2003-04, when the Pistons won the NBA title. With their playoff position assured, coach Flip Saunders is resting his vets and giving time to his talented, young bench, which includes G Rodney Stuckey and F Jason Maxiell.
Subplot » The Pistons are loaded with former Wizards. Wallace and Hamilton are cornerstones. Jarvis Hayes and Juan Dixon are instant-offense spark plugs off the bench.
Prediction » Even match-up talent-wise. The difference would be Detroit’s experience and cohesion.
Pistons, 4-2
