It hasn't exactly been a season to remember so far for the Washington Wizards. They have struggled for much of the year, posting a record of 18-26 and sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference. The team is also struggling with injuries to John Wall and Dwight Howard. Despite all of this, the team's head coach Scott Brooks isn't worried about the squad and believes they can compete for a playoff spot.
"We've had some tough injuries all season long but we've kind of stepped up and battled for one another and we've got to continue to do that for the remaining part of the season," Brooks said according to Sporting News. "You're talking two high-level starters — an All-Star starting point guard and Dwight has been one of our big signings this summer. It's difficult but our guys aren't using it as an excuse, they're coming out there and competing and hopefully we can continue to do that and battle for a playoff spot."
Brooks also spoke about how the Eastern Conference is a lot more open this year thanks to the absence of LeBron James who now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers out West. LeBron led his teams to eight straight finals appearances.
"LeBron out of the East opens things up a lot for all the other teams. He's had that East hold for eight years, so somebody is going to be in the NBA Finals from the East and it's not going to be LeBron's team," Brooks explained.
The Wizards will look to turn their season around on Thursday when they take on the struggling New York Knicks in London.