Washington
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
Brendan "The Hulk" Haywood's suspension for the Chicago preseason melee is over and he can rejoin the team starting with tonight's rematch against the Heat as the Wizards seek vengeance for a loss last week on their DC home court. But will the Wizards be able to look past the Victoria's Secret models flirting from halfcourt? They're going to have to if they want to remain above .500.
Head coach Eddie Jordan nicknamed Haywood the Hulk in anticipation of his 7-footer being able to use some of his strength to try and mitigate the damage that will likely be wrought by Shaq. Last game, it was Dwyane Wade who burned the Wizards, and although Gilbert Arenas believes it is at least partly to do with the fact that referees are calling more fouls and less charges, Jordan is worried that as soon as he starts to concentrate on stopping Wade, that's when Shaq will finally make his MVP appearance.
Haywood has a tough challenge in facing Shaq tonight but, as he says, "It's a challenging first game, but I'm up for the challenge." Haywood toldThe Washington Post. "I could probably use some of the Hulk's strength. If I don't have the Hulk's strength, I'll just have to go in with what I've got."
We'll see tonight if the Wizards have got enough to compete with one of the best teams in the East.
NEXT GAME
The Wizards (2-1) travel to Miami (3-0) to take on Shaq and Wade in a rematch of Washington's only loss so far this season. The game starts TONIGHT at 7:30pm Eastern and will be broadcast on CSN and NBA League Pass. Victoria's Secret models will appear on court and also sign a few autographs.
TEAM NOTES
Tune into WTOP every weekday at 7:17 a.m. and 5:17 p.m. as the Wizards discuss topics on and off the court. Monday is Movie Day and the Wizards' resident movie expert Gilbert Arenasgot together with NBC4's Arch Campbell to talk about the summer hit Dodge Ball.
INJURY UPDATE
Steve Blake(ankle),Kwame Brown(broken right foot, sprained left ankle), andEtan Thomas(abdomen) are all on the injured list and likely out until December. Gilbert Arenas(bruised left heel) is expected to play.
The South Florida Sun-Sentinelwrites: Center Brendan Haywood is eligible to return after being suspended for the season's first three games for his role in a preseason fracas against Chicago.Point guard Gilbert Arenas bruised his left heel in Saturday's loss but expects to play. Guard Steve Blake (ankle) and forwards Kwame Brown (foot) and Etan Thomas (abdominal strain) are on the injured list.
The Plain Dealerwrites: Kwame Brown now has a sprained left ankle to go along with his broken right foot, probably delaying his return to the Washington Wizards until December.Brown sprained the ankle during practice last week. He has been recovering from surgery on a broken bone in his right foot, which he injured during a summer pickup game.
Brian A. Sereno ofWashingtonWizards.comwrites: Following the Wizards’ Opening Night clash with Miami, the 19,859 in attendance were not the only ones that left MCI Center impressed with the Wizards.“(Washington) is one of the best and deepest rosters in the league,†Miami Head Coach Stan Van Gundy told the Miami Herald. “When they get all their people back, this is a team that can play with about anybody in the East.''
Tony Kornheiser ofThe Washington Postwrites: Jamison is the best player the Wizards have had since Chris Webber -- their first player since Webber who can win a game by himself.Jamison can give you a quiet 30. That's a big deal. Twice in his NBA career, he's gone over 50. Michael Ruffin may not get a total of 50 all season.
Michael Lee ofThe Washington Postwrites: Although Washington Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan has recently nicknamed his 7-foot starting center "the Hulk," Haywood wasn't exactly busting out of his clothes in anticipation of his season debut tonight in Miami.But after missing the first three games of the season serving a suspension for fighting, he was eager to finally hit the floor against Shaquille O'Neal. "It's a challenging first game, but I'm up for the challenge," Haywood said. "I could probably use some of the Hulk's strength. If I don't have the Hulk's strength, I'll just have to go in with what I've got."