Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 27 Washington Wizards

Thing To Watch For Washington: Can They Shut Down Paul Millsap?

The Wizards have a few match-up advantages in this game, especially on the perimeter. Kent Bazemore and Thabo Sefolosha will likely be asked to guard John Wall and Bradley Beal.

That leaves Dennis Schroder guarding Otto Porter Jr., a player that has a significant size advantage. An advantage so large that Mike Budenholzer might scrap a plan like that altogether and have Schroder guard Wall. Oh boy. Anyway, more on that later.

Most teams don’t match-up will with Paul Millsap, but the Wizards like their chances against the All-Star power forward. Millsap is averaging 18 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season on 44.4 percent shooting. He’s carried the Hawks all season, helping them breakout of their December swoon.

Who will be guarding him tonight? Markieff Morris will likely draw that assignment. Morris is a fine offensive player, but he’s merely average on defense. Even so, the physical nature of his play could cause problems for Millsap.

In their first game of the season Millsap held the advantage. He finished that game with 28 points and seven rebounds on 11-for-20 shooting.

In their second match-up of the season, Millsap finished with just 16 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Morris’ toughness seemed to affect Millsap that night. Consider this assessment from Osman Baig of Wiz Of Awes.

"Millsap likely wants nothing to do with Morris for the foreseeable future. Millsap is an All-Star who has given Washington fits over the years. Keef, though, is a bully and his impact on Millsap was noticeable. Morris played a physical brand of defense that had Millsap reeling."

At his best, I still think Millsap can cook against Morris. He’s already done it once this season. Still, this match-up isn’t as glaring a weakness for the Wizards as it is for most teams.