NBA Standings 2012: Wizards Standings Update

It has been a struggle for the Washington Wizards to gain any momentum this season, but they sure gave the home fans at the Verizon Center something to cheer about on Friday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 97-76. With the win, the Wizards snapped a five game losing streak and improved their record to 12-39. The Wizards have 15 games left to play this year, and at this point are sitting 25 1/2 games behind the Miami Heat in the standings of the Southeast division of the NBA's Eastern Conference.

In terms of overall conference records, at this point in this strike shortened season only the Charlotte Bobcats at 7-43 have a poorer record than the Wizards in the Eastern Conference. Washington will attempt to win their second game in a row later today when they meet up with the Toronto Raptors (17-35) at the Air Canada Centre.

For more news and analysis on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever. Also be sure to check out the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news on all 30 teams leading up to the playoffs and on the road to the NBA Finals.

76ers Vs. Wizards Hangover: Positive Pixels, Wicked Pixels From Washington's 97-76 Rout

76ers Vs. Wizards Quick-Hit Recap: Take 100 seconds to catch up on the news, notes and must-see from last night's Wizards action -- good and bad -- with 'Postive Pixels, Wicked Pixels.' It's your morning-after Wizards hangover cure.

Positive Pixels

• Big time performance from the bench: After Trevor Booker left the game early with a pulled left fascia, Kevin Seraphin saw an opportunity to step up. In 35 minutes of action, Seraphin registered 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Cartier Martin, playing for the second time in 2011-12, scored 20 points, making four of seven 3-pointers. Roger Mason and Jan Vesely scored seven and six points, respectively.
• Jordan Crawford and John Wall played well together: There were a lot of positives to take from Friday night's victory, but the biggest was seeing Wall and Crawford put it together on the floor.
• Start to finish, a consistent effort: Washington took the lead in the first quarter and never looked back, outscoring the Sixers in every quarter but the third. Jrue Holiday, Elton Brand and Spencer Hawes all had trouble getting their offensive games going against the Wizards, which contributed in a big way to Washington's success.
• Jan Vesely got after it: Mr. Vesely was very active on the glass, grabbing 11 rebounds (four offensive). His presence was felt throughout the night, as he played nearly 30 minutes. His development is very important for the Wizards to be a better team in 2012-13.
• Team shooting was lights out: The Wiz made 42 of 87 shots, including 7 of 17 from beyond the arc. They also made all six (yes, only six) of their free throw attempts. The Sixers had no such luck, making only 30 of 82 shots. The Wizards flat-out dominated this one, wire to wire.

76ers Vs. Wizards Recap: Wizards win 97-76, Nene Leaves With Injury

The Washington Wizards snapped a five-game losing streak on Friday night with a convincing home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Washington shot 48 percent from the floor against, statistically, one of the best defenses in the NBA. It was overall one of their best showings of the season, getting plenty of bench-scoring and out-rebounding Philly by 14 to win 97-76.

Nine Wizards scored, which included 47 points off the bench. But Nene set the tone on the interior, scoring 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Late in the game, however, he hobbled off the floor with an apparent foot injury and went to the locker room. He did not return in the fourth quarter with the Wizards comfortably ahead. The team has not provided details on the injury. With Nene out, Jan Vesely contributed off the bench with 11 total rebounds -- a career high.

Cartier Martin, in only his second game of his second stint with the Wizards, went off for a career-high 20 points. Martin hit four of seven attempts from behind the arc and led all Washington scorers. It was an impressive team effort for Randy Wittman's club, which now heads to Toronto on Sunday to face the Raptors.

For more news and analysis on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever. For the latest on the Philadelphia 76ers, make sure to stop by Liberty Ballers. Still not enough basketball for you? Visit to the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news on all 30 teams leading up to the playoffs and on the road to the NBA Finals

Wizards vs. 76ers: Wall, Seraphin Spring Washington To 55-36 Halftime Lead

Halfway through the game, the Washington Wizards lead the Philadelphia 76ers 55-36.

It was a dominating performance from a team that has struggled since trading away two of their best players, with their new acquisition (Nene) playing a big role in their success tonight. Nene scored six points, grabbed five boards and put forth a strong effort against Spencer Hawes.

At the end of the first quarter, the Wizards held a 23-15 advantage after a strong showing on both sides of the ball. Jordan Crawford and John Wall played well together, looking to share the ball rather than showcasing selfish play.

Randy Wittman rotated in ten players in the first half, relying on his second unit to give quality minutes and increase the lead to 35-19 with 8:15 left in the second quarter.

Washington continued to apply the pressure defensively, forcing turnovers and creating points through transition. Cartier Martin, Kevin Seraphin and Roger Mason all made a big impact off the bench, pouring in 24 points. Seraphin exuded energy, collecting two blocks and being active on both ends of the floor.

The Wizards did not let up at any point in the second quarter, outscoring the 76ers 32-21 in the period.

It wasn't all good for Washington in the first half, as Trevor Booker suffered a pulled left fascia. He is questionable to play again this evening.

There is plenty more to come from this game tonight, so make sure to keep it tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC for updates. For more news and analysis on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever. For the latest on the Philadelphia 76ers, make sure to stop by Liberty Ballers. Still not enough basketball for you? Visit to the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news on all 30 teams leading up to the playoffs and on the road to the NBA Finals

Wizards Vs. 76ers: Trevor Booker Injured

Trevor Booker of the Washington Wizards left their game against the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night with a pulled left fascia. The team has said that his return in tonight's game is questionable.

Booker had two points on 1-of-3 shooting while pulling down one rebound in six minutes of play before getting hurt. Forward Kevin Seraphin has seen the bulk of minutes down low in Booker's absence.

There is plenty more to come from this game tonight, so make sure to keep it tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC for updates. For more news and analysis on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever. For the latest on the Philadelphia 76ers, make sure to stop by Liberty Ballers. Still not enough basketball for you? Visit to the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news on all 30 teams leading up to the playoffs and on the road to the NBA Finals

Wizards vs. 76ers: Starting Lineups, Storylines To Watch

The Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers are set to take the floor at the Verizon Center at 7:00 PM Eastern. The two teams are headed in opposite directions: at 11-39, the Wizards have the second-worst record in the NBA, leading only the Charlotte Bobcats (7-41) in the win column.

The Sixers, on the other hand, are right in the thick of the playoffs with a 28-22 record. As of today, they are slated to be the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. With that said, here are our storylines to watch.

Balancing youth and potential: The Wizards roster is extremely young, with seven players age 25 and younger. It is interested to see how head coach Randy Wittman balances his young players (Chris Singleton, Kevin Seraphin, Jordan Crawford) with the more established veterans (Brian Cook, Maurice Evans, Rashard Lewis). The team has played relatively well since trading Nick Young and JaVale McGee, but the transition has been difficult with four close, frustrating losses.

Bringing Andre Iguodala back into the fold: After two games missed with tendinitis of the knee, Iguodala is likely to start on Friday night according to head coach Doug Collins. It will be interesting to see how Iguodala plays in his return, especially considering his replacement, Jodie Meeks, blew up against Cleveland to the tune of 31 points. In this case, a lot of talent isn't a bad problem for the Sixers to have.

Breaking down the guards: Jordan Crawford and John Wall have had a bit of difficulty coexisting on the floor, as both players employ a similar style of play: creating off the dribble. It will be worth watching their development as a unit, as both offer a lot if they can get on the same page offensively.

Here are your starting lineups:

Philadelphia 76ers
Jrue Holiday, PG
Evan Turner, SG
Andre Iguodala, SF
Elton Brand, PF
Spencer Hawes, C

Washington Wizards
John Wall, PG
Jordan Crawford, SG
Chris Singleton, SF
Trevor Booker, PF
Nene, C

Wizards Vs. 76ers: Game Time, TV Schedule, And More

The Washington Wizards return home Friday night hoping to erase their current five-game losing streak. Their task will not be easy, as the Philadelphia 76ers come to the nation's capitol looking to improve their playoff seeding. Here is all the information you need to enjoy tonight's game.

Location: Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Wizards T.V.: Comcast SportsNet
Wizards Radio: 106.7 FM
Wizards-76ers Odds: Philadelphia by 8.5 points

There is plenty more to come from this game tonight, so make sure to keep it tuned to this StoryStream and SB Nation DC for updates. For more news and analysis on the Washington Wizards, head on over to Bullets Forever. For the latest on the Philadelphia 76ers, make sure to stop by Liberty Ballers. Still not enough basketball for you? Visit to the SB Nation NBA Hub Page for all the latest news on all 30 teams leading up to the playoffs and on the road to the NBA Finals

Wizards Vs. 76ers: Washington Back Home To Face Philadelphia

Can the Wizards snap a five-game losing streak against a 76ers team that may not have Andre Iguodala?