John Wall will not play Saturday night in Orlando when the Washington Wizards face the Magic on the second night of back-to-back games.
Sitting Wall in that scenario was part of the medical staff’s plan following Wall’s two offseason knee surgeries. The Wizards’ point guard may miss the second game in future back-to-back games, too. He said there is no definitive timeline for when he will be playing on consecutive nights. Wall also said he’s not thrilled to sit out after playing through so many injuries, though understands precautions need to be taken.
“I’ve been feeling good throughout practices and playing in games,” Wall said. “[I’ll] have to sit back and see what they do. They’ll probably have a phone call and talk about it and figure out when I can start playing.”
The Wizards, who won their first game of the season, 95-92 against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, play back-to-back games next week, too. Nov. 11 they play the reigning NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers in Verizon Center. Saturday, they play the Bulls in Chicago.
“Part of his rehab plan is to be real cognizant of his minutes,” Wizards coach Scott Brooks said.
Brooks did not commit to Tomas Satoransky starting in Wall’s place Saturday though he seems the logical choice. After not being part of the rotation the first two games of the season, Satoransky’s influence on the Wizards has continued to increase. He was the first Washington substitution in the third quarter of Wednesday night’s game. Friday, he played 22 minutes, allowing the Wizards to cut back Wall’s minutes. Satoransky’s versatility is giving Brooks a chance to move him around all the way from point guard to small forward in three-guard lineups.
“He’s one of 13 guys that will start,” Brooks said with a laugh. “Ian [Mahinmi] is out [Saturday], by the way. And John. There’s a good chance [Satorasnky will start]. I’ve been thinking about it because I knew this was the plan going forward. I like how he plays. Like I have said many times to you guys you judge players in practice as much as you judge them in the games. That’s how I’ve always been. That was my game, practice, as a player. I take it serious.”
Wall has averaged 33.5 minutes per game in the first four games of the season. He played 37 minutes Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors, which Brooks admitted pregame Friday was probably too much.
The Wizards’ three-time All-Star is averaging 22.3 points, 11.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds this season. Asked if he would be an assistant coach Saturday, Wall joked he would be acting head coach during his night off.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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