WIZARDS · GAME DAY
Trae Young Revenge Game: Hawks at Wizards Preview
Trae Young gets his first matchup with the Hawks since the trade. Can Washington turn Atlanta’s pressure on its former guard into clean shots for everyone else?
Trae Young gets his first shot at his former team on Wednesday. What will Washington do when Atlanta makes him give up the ball?
The Hawks visit Capital One Arena on November 4 at 7 p.m. ET. Washington acquired Young from Atlanta in January. Tonight is the D.C. matchup. The teams meet again Friday in Atlanta in NBA Cup play.
WHO’S AVAILABLE
The NBA’s 7:30 a.m. ET injury report did not list Young. Washington’s Alex Sarr (left knee soreness) and Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson (left ankle sprain) were questionable on that report. Check the official injury report index for later updates.
1. GIVE TRAE A QUICK OUTLET
Young enters averaging 19.9 points and 10.0 assists per game and had nine assists in Monday’s win in Orlando. NBA player profile and game log.
Watch what happens when a second defender meets him above the screen. Anthony Davis can give Young a short outlet in the middle. The next job falls to the wings: show a clear target, cut behind the help or be ready to shoot. A late pass lets Atlanta recover. A quick one makes the next defender choose.
2. GET BACK AND FIND ATLANTA’S SHOOTERS
Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit nine threes and scored 34 in Atlanta’s 108–104 win over Indiana on Monday. Official NBA game recap.
Watch Washington’s first three steps after a miss or turnover. Somebody has to stop the ball, and the wings have to identify shooters before the first pass to the perimeter. Once the defense is set, Washington needs a controlled closeout and a second rotation if the ball moves again.
3. FINISH THE STOP SO TRAE CAN PUSH
Washington held Orlando to nine points in the third quarter on Monday. Orlando still had a 12–6 edge in second-chance points. WizKids Magic recap.
When Davis steps up to contest, who puts a body on the roller? A clean rebound can get Young the ball before Atlanta has time to set its defense. An offensive rebound forces Washington to guard the same trip again.
THE FAN QUESTION
Which Trae line would you rather see tonight: 30 points or 12 assists? Watch how he gets there and who benefits from the attention he draws.
Research your next Wizards parlay or check your favorite players’ recent game logs in the WizKids Stats Lab.