Wolves vs Wiz GDT

[kekgeek]

2-2 Wolves vs 0-5 wizards. Wolves need this one.

Sounds like Westbrook will not play because it's a back to back for the wizards.

[Lipoli390]

2-2 Wolves vs 0-5 wizards. Wolves need this one.

Sounds like Westbrook will not play because it's a back to back for the wizards.

OK, it's only the 5th game of the season. But I'm still going to call tonight's game a must win for the Wolves. After two lop-sided losses to a couple of the League's best teams, we're about to play the Wizards - another lottery team from last season that has lost all five of its games this season so far. Yes, the Wolves will be without KAT again. But it sounds like the Wizards will be without one of their two top players with Westbrook sitting.

So the stage is set for a redemption game - a chance to show that they care, that they know how to play and that they are competitive at least against other bad teams in the League. It will also be a test for Ryan Saunders. Can he get these guys to play together, move the ball and stick to the game plan? We'll see.

[60WinTim]

Must win in game 5 of the season?

But I do agree that given the circumstances, the Wolves absolutely need to win this game. Otherwise all the reservations fans (and players?) might have about the system and Saunders might explode (like they haven't already?!? :) ).

So I guess that makes this a must win game!

[kekgeek]

I don't think it is a must win. We are only 5 games into the season but I do think it is a game that they can't get blown out it. If the wolves get blown out for the 3rd straight game I don't know how Ryan is going to keep his job going forward. Obviously blame goes on the players for not coming prepared but if the Wolves get blown out again whatever message Ryan is trying to get to the players is not working. I don't think it is a must win but they must be competitive tonight.

[Lipoli390]

My use of the term "must win" was obviously a slight exaggeration. But you all clearly get the point, Tonight's game is an important one and a touchstone for evaluating both the players and Ryan Saunders. I don't see tonight's game as definitive in any sense, but it will be telling.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

As Lip mentioned in another thread, the NBA is just weird this year. I mean, Dallas beats a contending Clippers by 50+ points one night and then lose to Charlotte by 20 at home on three days rest. Anyone can beat anyone at any time. So no, I don't consider tonight must-win. Let's see how things look in 10-game tranches. Not saying it wouldn't be a maddening loss though....

[Volans19]

Let's go

I'm expecting the worst, that way anything positive looks twice as good

I would love to see Dlo hit some threes and finish above 30 tonight

[FNG]

No such thing as a must win game in the first week of the season, but I know I'll be very disappointed if the Wolves don't win this one. I was surprised the Wiz opened up as a favorite, but the betting line has logically swung to the wolves...probably because of the Russ news. Washington is a bad team with Russ, and even worse without him after a close game the night before. Beal's 35 minutes are going to leave him with tired legs tonight.

Camden talked with D-Lo last night and told him he is going to completely lose this board if he doesn't bring it on both ends of the court tonight. Russell takes advantage of a worn-out Beal who played 35 minutes last night and then got on a plane to fly here after a tough loss, and the Wolves win by 10.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Washington gave up 133 points... and 54% fg to Chicago last night.

[FNG]

Washington gave up 133 points... and 54% fg to Chicago last night.

Yeah, and the Bulls had 4 players out, including their second leading scorer and top rebounder. Even worse, the Wizards allowed Zach LaVine to achieve a career best -3 :o !

The KAT-less Wolves can take nothing for granted, so I think they come out tonight with smoke coming out of their ears.

Who starts the game at PF?