It Gets Tough Now

The Wizards' blown opportunity against New Jersey on Sunday was bad enough, but considering the difficulty of the upcoming schedule, it could end up being a catastrophic performance.

After going to Madison Square Garden to face the Knicks tomorrow, the Wizards have no easy games until the end of November. A win tomorrow is even more imperitave when you consider the games that follow.

-At Detroit
-Cleveland
-At Dallas
-At Houston
-At Memphis
-Detroit
-Atlanta

I'm guessing that this is as tough a 7 game stretch as the Wizards will face all year. The back-to-back in Texas is particularly imposing, considering how well Houston is playing. Two games against Detroit are certainly not going to be easy, even though they're struggling and the Wizards swept them last year. Cleveland is always a tough game, and they're playing better than ever before. Memphis is not particularly imposing, but it's right after the Texas games and the Wizards have a tendency to let down on the road. I add Atlanta in there becuase I think they're still going to be a tough out by the end of the month.

So what's realistic here? If the Wizards go 7-0, 6-1, or 5-2, it's pure gravy. Such a stretch wouldn't shock me considering how hot this team can get, but I wouldn't bet the house on it.

4-3 is a legitimate possiblity, and it puts the Wizards right where they should be as they enter an easy part of their schedule (all tough games in early December are at home). If the Wizards can split with Detroit and beat Cleveland, Memphis, and Atlanta, that would be alright. This seems like the logical projection, but this team can make you want to pick up logic and slam it on the floor.

What if the Wizards go under .500? 3-4 wouldn't concern or shock me. Cleveland is rebounding the ball at an astounding rate, and they could easily win that one. If the Wizards win the other 3 games, they'll be alright.

2-5 or 1-6 or even 0-7 would be a major problem. It would signify that the rebounding woes still exist and the team may need to make a move.

Clearly, however, this stretch will define the early part of the Wizards' season. Whether it's positive or negative will depend on rebounding and defensive progress.

Go Wizards!

What's a realistic possiblity for this stretch in your eyes? What do you think is going to end up happening?