Nov 27, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Zaza Pachulia (27) in the 2nd quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been three days since the Wizards became .500 after beating the Orlando Magic, and they’ll be back at it again tonight at home against the lowly Milwaukee Bucks. The game will tip off at 7:00 PM from the Verizon Center.

Key Match Up:

The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t had much to be excited about this season, but Ersan Ilyasova has played well recently which could definitely increase their chances of winning some games in the Eastern Conference. Ilyasova scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a loss to the Detroit Pistons this past Wednesday, but he’s been a bright spot after starting out the season on a rather low note. The Bucks need all the help they could get, and having Ilyasova perform at the level he’s capable of could make him a valuable trade piece going forward.

Nene has done an excellent job defensively this season, which is primarily the reason the Wizards went from having the worse defensive efficiency in the NBA to about the 12-13th in the league. He’s surprisingly done a good job defending stretch forwards this season, and that needs to continue tonight. Ilyasova has averaged over 17 points per game against the Wizards according to ESPN, and he does have the ability to spark everyone else around him. O.J. Mayo helped light his team up after scoring a few crucial buckets against the Wizards in Novemeber, and Ilyasova is capable of doing the same. The Bucks don’t have very many offensive options, but Ilyasova is still a threat.

Notes:

If the Wizards win tonight, they’ll be one game over .500 (!!!!!).

Otto Porter will be a game-time decision tonight. He could potentially make his NBA debut against the Bucks.

With 3 wins and 15 losses, the Bucks are the worst team in the NBA. Yikes.

Prediction:

Even though tonight’s game should be a relatively easy victory if the team comes prepared, the Wizards can’t overlook the Bucks. For the first time in years, Washington has a chance to be over .500 and they have to beat the lesser teams at home. They’ve lost to the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers in D.C this season, but they seem to have learned from their mistakes early on in the year.

The Bucks don’t have anyone on their roster who could stop John Wall, or Marcin Gortat. The Polish Hammer had one of his best games of the season against Milwaukee, and now that him and Wall have established great chemistry, I can’t see how the Bucks could stop them from dominating.

I think the Wizards will get the win tonight. Hopefully we get to see some of Otto Porter for the first time.