Washington Wizards Try for Back-to-Back Wins

Tonight the Washington Wizards travel to Houston, Texas to take on the Rockets, who are winners of eight straight at home. Washington will try to win two games in a row for the first time all season after defeating the equally bad Oklahoma City Thunder 104-95 on Saturday night.  

A positive note for the Wizards, and they have been as seldom as they come, is the fact that they are starting to get bigger contributions from their younger players as well as consistent outputs from the veterans.  

Mike James didn’t have the best shooting night (4-14) after his showing in Cleveland, but was only a point away from a double-double with nine points and 11 assists. 

Antawn Jamison scored 29 points on an efficient 12-22 shooting, while the young emerging forward Andray Blatche had one of the best games of his career with 19 points, 15 rebounds, three steals, and a block. 

Dominic McGuire also had an impressive showing with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. The Wizards resembled the team we had become accustomed to seeing over the past few seasons, and did it without All-Star forward Caron Butler who was sidelined with an injury.  

Washington will need a similar showing against a Houston team that plays gritty defense led by Ron Artest. The Rockets are giving up less than 95 points per game, while winning seven of their past 10 contests. 

Washington might catch a break as both Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest are listed as day-to-day. Artest has indicated that he will likely play, but head coach Rick Adelman was less forthcoming.  

The two teams met earlier this season in Washington as Houston walked away with a 103-91 victory. This will be the final time the teams meet for the season. Game tip off is at 8:30 PM.

Shaun Ahmad covers the Washington Wizards for Examiner.com.