Five things to watch: Spurs vs. Wizards

Pregame

Will Bradley Beal play?

Bradley Beal missed the Wizards' last game with a left hamstring strain. He is listed as questionable for tonight's game against the Spurs. If Beal is unable to play, it will be a big blow to the Wizards' offense. Beal is averaging 23.2 points per game this season. *

Who will start at point guard for the Spurs?

Dejounte Murray is out for the Spurs tonight with a sprained ankle. That means the Spurs will need to find a new starting point guard. Lonnie Walker IV is the most likely candidate to start at point guard, but he is also dealing with a knee injury. If Walker is unable to play, the Spurs could start Derrick White at point guard. *

How will the Spurs defend Bradley Beal?

If Bradley Beal is able to play, the Spurs will need to find a way to defend him. Beal is one of the most dangerous scorers in the NBA. He is averaging 23.2 points per game this season and is shooting 47.7% from the field. The Spurs will likely try to defend Beal with a combination of Dejounte Murray and Derrick White.

In-game

The battle in the paint

The Spurs and Wizards are both teams that like to play in the paint. The Spurs are led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging 19.3 points per game this season. The Wizards are led by Thomas Bryant, who is averaging 13.4 points per game this season. The battle in the paint will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. *

The three-point shooting

The Spurs and Wizards are both teams that are capable of shooting the three-pointer. The Spurs are shooting 37.2% from three-point range this season, while the Wizards are shooting 35.7% from three-point range. The team that is able to make more three-pointers will have a good chance of winning the game.