Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards Featured Matchup: John Wall vs. Elfrid Payton
John Wall and the Wizards swept Orlando last season, so can Elfrid Payton and company put the clamps on him this year?
Elfrid Payton established himself as a premiere point guard toward the end of the 2015 season. He racked up back-to-back triple-doubles while leading the NBA in assists during the final month.
Taking on John Wall promises to be a tough battle in the Orlando Magic’s opener.
Wall became an even better passer last season in his own right, notching a career-high 10 assists per game to go with his 17.6 points. Payton’s ability to control defenders plays big tonight. He needs to make sure he is able to get Wall and the Wizards into offensive sets later in the shot clock. Also vital will be Victor Oladipo’s help in cutting off Wall’s penetration.
. 38. . 142. Final
Time/TV:
7 p.m./FSFlorida
Line:
Wizards by 3.5
Tickets:Season Series:
Tonight in Orlando; Nov. 14 in Washington, D.C.; Jan. 1 in Washington, D.C.; Jan. 9 in Orlando
| Preseason Stats | Pace | Off. Rtg. | Def. Rtg. | eFG% | O.Reb.% | TO% | FTR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 104.5 | 106.8 | 100.2 | 52.2 | 21.4 | 14.8 | 31.7 |
| Orlando | 97.4 | 99.7 | 95.9 | 48.4 | 26.1 | 16.3 | 25.9 |
The key is not letting Wall take off. He is one of the best at mid-air adjustments to get good looks at the rim. Wall shot 61.9 percent from within three feet, and the Magic do not have a wealth of shot blockers to negate his drives to the rim.
Keeping Wall in the mid-range is the best chance to control him. He shot 41 percent from 10-to-16 feet and just less than 40 percent from 16 feet to the 3-point line. Better still, Wall shot just 30 percent from three. Getting him to pull up is the key to controlling his influence, and Payton is quick enough to cut off some of the drives.
The Wizards also were 4-0 against the Magic last year and have won the past eight regular season games against the Magic. The Wizards won by an average of 7.5 points during last year’s four contests, which is inflated by the Magic’s 16-point loss on Feb. 9. The closest thing to victory happened when Orlando lost 91-89 in Orlando on Dec. 10.
In that game, the Magic started Victor Oladipo at the point and Payton saw 28 minutes off the bench.
Payton had 12 points, four assists and six boards while posting a -4 plus/minus for his time on the court. Wall had a fairly big game with 21 points, 11 assists and six rebounds.
It seems in some senses Oladipo is a better defensive fit on Wall with his additional strength and equally as frustrating defense.
Will Scott Skiles adjust and put Oladipo on Wall more, while switching Payton onto sharpshooter Bradley Beal? It is a thought, especially with Payton returning from a sore hamstring which kept him out of the final five preseason games. But this may be a game mostly gauging different lineups for Orlando, too.
Whatever the case, Wall is the key to the Wizards’ attack and the Magic will have their hands full with him.
In last year’s first matchup, Wall scored 30 points, dished out 12 and grabbed five boards. He put in some very complete games against the Magic, and the fact he is a true point guard (yes, one that can score) is problematic because if Wall gets scoring it becomes very easy for him to set up his teammates.
This first featured matchup will be a tough one, but if the Magic can team up to put the clamps on Wall’s penetration, this game could work out favorably for Orlando. Getting a victory against a team that swept it last year would be a big step forward in the team’s first game under Skiles.
Next: Previewing the Magic season on 95.7 The Hog in Daytona