The Washington Wizards began their journey in 2025 with a 125-107 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls in arguably one of the team’s best performances of the season.
Starting the new year off with a win may have fooled Wizards fans into thinking that the new year could lead to more celebrations for fans. However, Washington bounced off that win and returned to old habits stacking four-straight losses to the teams record.
Nonetheless, stacking losses in the Wizards position isn’t all that bad considering they’re currently leading the sweepstakes for Cooper Flagg in the NBA Draft this offseason. Despite that, the team’s players have a goal to go out and win games on a nightly basis as their jobs are on the line regardless of where the team lands in the upcoming draft order.
With the Bulls next up on the schedule, Wizards players will likely head into this matchup with confidence considering the results of the previous matchup. Meanwhile, Chicago will have their sights set on redeeming themselves as losing to the worst team in the league can’t sit well for them.
That said, here’s 3 keys to a win if Wizards players and fans do hope to begin their weekend with a Washington win.
Let Jordan Poole pick up where he left off
Jordan Poole was the driving force behind the Wizards last win over the Bulls after finishing with 30 points on 10/21 shooting from field goal range and knocking down six threes. The guard’s offense will always be a key for a Washington win, but it can also be one of the biggest reasons for a loss if the Michigan product’s inefficiency returns.
However, if the team puts the guard in position to build off his previous outing, there chances to steal a win on the road will only increase.
Note: Jordan Poole is listed as a game-time decision ahead of Friday’s matchup against the Bulls.
Rely on Corey Kispert’s hot shooting
Corey Kispert has been on a terror for the Wizards over the last few games. The Gonzaga product stacked back-to-back 20+ point games heading into this matchup shooting 15/24 from field goal range over that stretch.
Washington needs to get the ball in Kispert’s hands to allow for the Wizards bench to keep pace with Chicago’s on Friday.
Play through Jonas Valanciunas
Jonas Valanciunas has been a consistent force for the Wizards throughout this season whether it’s in a bench role or a fill-in starter spot. The big man has continously been reliable for Brian Keefe’s squad and he showcased that against the Bulls in their last matchup. Valanciunas ended the night with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists leaving his mark on the game in multiple ways.
Not to mention with Alex Sarr listed as a game-time decision, Valanciunas role could be larger than expected.
