USA BASKETBALL NBA, Basketball Herren, USA PLAYOFFS Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers epa09240075 Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons dribbles during the first half of the NBA basketball playoff game between the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, USA, 31 May 2021. Washington, DC United States PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxINDxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxREYNOLDSx
USA BASKETBALL NBA, Basketball Herren, USA PLAYOFFS Washington Wizards vs. Philadelphia 76ers epa09240075 Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons dribbles during the first half of the NBA basketball playoff game between the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, USA, 31 May 2021. Washington, DC United States PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxINDxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxREYNOLDSx
The Washington Wizards’ massive rebuild has given them a front seat to qualifying for the playoffs. However, the betting odds still aren’t giving them enough respect.
The Wizards' lineup will look very different from last season. With the re-signing of fan favorite Trae Young and the addition of AJ Dybantsa, they have a strong chance to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
With the projected starting five of Trae Young, Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa, Anthony Davis, and Alex Sarr, they still have the fourth-worst odds to make the playoffs.
February 28, 2026, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA: February 28, 2026: AJ Dybantsa 3 during the West Virginia University Mountaineers vs Brigham Young University Cougars at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown WV. Brook Ward / Apparent Media Group. Morgantown USA - ZUMAa234 20260228_zsa_a234_269 Copyright: xAMGx
February 28, 2026, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA: February 28, 2026: AJ Dybantsa 3 during the West Virginia University Mountaineers vs Brigham Young University Cougars at the WVU Coliseum in Morgantown WV. Brook Ward / Apparent Media Group. Morgantown USA - ZUMAa234 20260228_zsa_a234_269 Copyright: xAMGx
Since their last playoff berth, the Wizards have a 105-225 (.318) record. However, the 2026-27 season might turn things around despite not getting respect, as shown on Legion Hoops' X post.
The Wizards re-signed Trae Young to a four-year deal and extended Anthony Davis for one year, making them co-leaders.
The Wizards have the potential to become a top defensive team. With the selection of AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 in the 2026 NBA Draft, they already have Kyshawn George and Alex Sarr, who stepped up last season and played 48 games.
Young will be the starting point guard, but he lacks defensive abilities. However, Sarr and Davis have it in them to become one of the best defensive duos in NBA history.
George and Young will bolster the attack and complement each other. On the other hand, Dybantsa is being projected to become the Rookie of the Year.
The Wizards almost have the right mix of offensive threat and defensive prowess to make it to the playoffs.
For head coach Brian Keefe, managing injuries could be a point of concern. However, the Wizards also have a solid reserve unit.
Bench depth could be the difference
Although the bench lacks in defense, the offensive depth will play a crucial role over the course of the season.
Sophomores Tre Johnson and Will Riley are arguably the league's best young scorers. Johnson will look for a breakthrough season while Riley could prove to be the steal of the 2025 NBA Draft, per LWOS' Wyatt Hartman.
On top of that, Bub Carrington is on the bench. He led the Wizards last season in three-point percentage, hitting 40.2%.
Bilal Coulibaly, Justin Champagnie, and DeAndre Ayton are further options for coach Keefe.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar