Wiz VS Hawks Game 2: Can they pull of the upset without Wall?

The Wizards go into game 2 in Atlanta with a 1-0 lead, that's after making history the game before with their 4th straight game 1 away win. They (just like me) will have to get over that success and win the next game.

Going up 2-0 would really leave the Wizards completely in the drivers seat and controlling their own fate coming home to Washington for games 3 and 4. For that to happen, I believe certain things will be key, The Wizards will be without Wall though, it will be a tough task, but it's possible, evidenced by the way the Clippers stepped and won without their best play and floor general CP3...who can help them get over the top? Let's look at that.



Who's Hot

Paul Pierce, Otto Porter, Bradley Beal

Pierce, didn't shoot a great percentage from beyond the arc in game 1 (3-9 for 33 percent) but he did go 7-15 in the game scoring 19 points. His all around effectiveness and versatility will be needed if they are to win Game 2.

Otto Porter, scored 10 points, grabbed 11 boards, and made two 3's in game 1 he also played excellent defense on the other end of the court, let's hope for a repeat.

Beal Played Great again in Game 1, scoring 28 points and grabbing 7 boards, he also played swarming defense on Atlanta's 3 point shooters, they'll need him tonight to help deal with the loss of Wall for the game.



Who's Not

NeNe Hilario and Kevin Seraphin

Each grabbed three rebounds in game 1, NeNe added in a steal, but both big men scored 0 points...needless to say, if they want minutes, they need to play much better than that.

X-Factors

Ramon Sessions, Garret Temple, and Otto Porter

With John Wall expected to miss the game, Ramon Sessions goes from a very vital role off the bench, to a very vital role in the starting lineup, are 18 points, 13 assist and 7 boards expected? I don't know if they can be, but he is a talent player, and will have to be a threat to create for himself and others on the offensive end if they are to have a chance without Wall tonight.

John Wall's back court mate, Bradley Beal, also sustained an injury in game 1, returning to the game after severely spraining his ankle, he did return to the game, but was very much a decoy toward the end of the game.

Beal will play, but if he's not effective, or cannot sustain a full work load, temple will most likely get the shot to fill in, He played pretty well in games that he got 30 minutes or more in the regular season in relief of Beal, he could be called upon again.

Otto Porter, Is on here once again, even though Sessions is expected to be in the lineup for Wall, and Temple maybe filling in at the 2, Otto Porter could actually get the start at 3 with Paul Pierce playing the 4 to start this game. doing so, could still give them a chance to matchup well with Atlanta's starting unit, even without Wall in the lineup.