The Washington Wizards are officially eliminated from playoff contention. The Wizards’ 118-107 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans clinched a playoff berth for the Orlando Magic. The Brooklyn Nets clinched a playoff berth with a 119-106 win over the Sacramento Kings earlier in the day.
Washington entered the NBA restart in Orlando 5.5 games behind the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards needed to finish the eight-game seeding schedule within four games back of the eighth-place team to earn a play-in situation.
However, the Wizards opened the slate with five straight losses. Losses to the Phoenix Suns, the decimated Nets, and Pelicans without Zion Williamson were the most humbling losses for Washington. Orlando extended their lead over the Wizards to 7.5 games — 3.5 ahead of the four games back threshold with three games remaining for Washington.
Realistically, Washington’s chances to make a push ended before they got started. Leading scorer Bradley Beal was ruled out of the NBA restart with a shoulder injury. Second-leading scorer Davis Bertans opted out of playing the restart.
The Wizards have used the opportunity to get much-needed game time for their young roster. Troy Brown, Thomas Bryant and Jerome Robinson have taken advantage of their opportunity to develop ahead of next season.
Wizards won’t improve NBA Lottery odds
The Wizards’ winless stretch in the Orlando bubble has actually pushed them below the Charlotte Hornets in the standings by win percentage. However, the Wizards won’t improve their odds for the NBA Lottery.
The eight uninvited teams to the Orlando bubble were guaranteed the top eight odds, including the Hornets. So, no matter the Wizards’ final win percentage, they are locked into the ninth-best odds at the No. 1 overall pick with a 4.5% chance.
