Preview: The 16-18 Wizards lost a Texas two-step at Houston (101-91) and Dallas (113-105) after winning nine of their previous 12 games under new coach Scott Brooks. They've won their past eight home games, second only among current streaks to Golden State's nine. They're also 13-9 since starting the season 3-9 but, like the Wolves, the Wizards have not played since Tuesday. … The last time the Wolves went to Washington, they beat the Wizards 132-129 in double overtime last March. The teams split the season series a year ago, with the Wizards winning 104-98 at Target Center on March 2. They've split the past eight games, but the Wizards are 10-2 in their past 12 home games against the Wolves.
Players to watch: Wizards star point guard John Wall was named last week's Eastern Conference Player of the Week and Player of the Month for December as well. He averaged 24.5 points, 10.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 steals in December and led the Wizards to their first 10-victory month since December 2014. He leads the NBA in steals (2.3 per game) and is third in assists (10.0). … Wall's backcourt mate Bradley Beal has scored 20 or more points 19 times this season and the Wizards are 10-9 in those games. … Wizards forward Otto Porter's 32-point, 13-rebound game against Milwaukee last week was his second 30-10 game this season.
Injuries: Wizards F/C Ian Mahinmi (knees) and F Danuel House (fractured wrist) are out.
Jerry Zgoda
