The Washington Wizards have lost virtually all of the momentum they gained earlier in the season. A once promising outlook has diminished and all optimism heading towards the NBA Playoffs has disappeared.

As Michael Lee of the Washington Post pointed out, the Washington Wizards seem too worn out to compete. A team that was called “up-and-coming” at the beginning of the season doesn’t have the qualities that other “up-and-coming” teams do.

John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter are basically the only young talent the Wizards have. Seven of the fifteen players on Washington’s roster are 30+ years old, with five of them all 32 or above. The Wizards don’t have much time to waste if they’d like to win with their current group of players.

Paul Pierce and Nene, both of whom are starters, are in the latter portions of their careers. The same could be said for Rasual Butler and Drew Gooden, who’ve been in Washington’s rotation for much of this season.

With that said, all of the players I previously listed have gotten some sort of break during the season. Whether it’s being sidelined with injury or missing games with rest, many of the players on the roster have gotten a chance to recuperate.

The only player that hasn’t gotten a break is their most important player: John Wall

Wall hasn’t missed a game in essentially two seasons. He played in all 82-games this past season, not including the playoffs, and he’s on pace to play all 82-games this season. On top of the regular season grind, Wall has accommodated all obligations that come with being an NBA All-Star and he’s participated in Team USA mini-camp.

Wall has carried the Washington Wizards for two straight seasons, and recently, he’s been forced to carry the team even more. He’s played 41+ minutes in three straight games, including a 48 minute game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Luckily for the Wizards, though, their schedule will loosen up soon. Here’s a look at some of their upcoming games:

April 1st: Philadelphia 76ers

April 3rd: New York Knicks

April 4th: Memphis Grizzilies

April 8th: Philadelphia 76ers

April 10th: Brooklyn Nets

Four of Washington’s next five opponents are below .500, and the Sixers/Knicks will likely compete for the worst record in the league.

While the Wizards have lost to the Sixers this season, I don’t expect lighting to strike twice.

As bad as the Wizards have been recently, they would still be considered the overwhelming favorite without John Wall. The same applies against New York.

The Wizards will take on the Grizzlies on the second night of a back-to-back, and having Wall play against the Knicks the night before wouldn’t make much sense.

After all, if the goal is to get a dominating win over the Knicks and have Wall rest during the blowout, it probably makes more sense to have him sit out the entire game.

Washington signed Will Bynum, expecting him to contribute, so why not give him a chance to play against lottery-bound teams? Ramon Sessions has surprisingly been competent off the bench and having him split minutes with Bynum against the league’s bottom feeders would give Wall a chance to take a break.

Some, including Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, have pointed out Washington’s lack of energy during their slumps.

One thing is certain: John Wall gives it his all every time he steps on the court. He hustles more than anybody I’ve seen in a Wizards uniform. It’s time for him to take a break.