The Washington Wizards were one of the surprise teams that made it to the playoffs last season. Even though they fell short, the Wizards gained valuable experience from that breakthrough.
They will carry that onto the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida as they go up against a pretty young but tough Orlando Magic five to open their respective 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) campaigns.
For the Wizards, John Wall and Bradley Beal will be there to lead the charge again, a deadly guard combination that the Magic will have to watch out for.
But the Magic have their own share of good guards led by the rising Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo. The Magic have a good stock of guards to choose from which could mean that this team will be going for a run and gun, fast-paced brand of ball. Other guards worth noting include C. J. Watson and offseason acquisition Shabazz Napier.
So with that said, it could all boil down to the frontline battle to see which big man (or men) can dominate.
This is a place where the Wizards may have an advantage though, having a fine line of centers and forwards such as Marcin Gortat, Otto Porter, Nene, DeJuan Blair, and Kris Humphries.
Compared with the Magic, the Wizards do have an advantage, although Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris and Nikola Vučević are no pushovers.
With the Wizards coming out with a pretty mean preseason offense, head coach Randy Wittman is hoping that the team can carry on that success to the regular season. That is unless Magic coach Scott Skiles has some new plans up his sleeves.
The Magic host the Wizards at the Amway Arena today starting at 7 p.m. EST. For those who want to catch the game via live stream, click here.
