Despite valuable additions during the off-season and the return of franchise cornerstone Gilbert Arenas, the Wizards were unable to play up to their potential in the first three weeks of action. In order to avoid their sixth straight loss, Washington will have to play significantly better when the game between the Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers gets underway at Verizon Center on Thursday at midnight GMT.

Unlike the Wizards, LeBron James and the Cavaliers were able to bounce back from a mediocre season start with three consecutive wins versus the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. Given the fact that the Cavs added Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon over the summer, it might take a few more weeks until Cleveland has figured out how to utilize their revamped squad most efficiently. One thing coach Mike Brown will not have to address is the way LeBron James has been playing thus far. Putting up 28.2 points, 7.4 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest, James has been spectacular and put the Cavs’ entire offense on his shoulders.

In contrast, there is very little to be excited about in the Wizards’ camp these days. Not getting off to the start they hoped for, Washington finds itself at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, just one win ahead of the struggling New York Knicks. Albeit Antawn Jamison is still sidelined with a shoulder injury, his absence cannot fully account for the Wizards’ questionable performance. Most importantly, the team around Gilbert Arenas frequently failed to play as a team and focused too much on scoring off 1-on-1 situations rather than moving the ball around the perimeter. Considering the aforementioned circumstances, LeBron James and the Cavaliers will enter their encounter with the Wizards as favorites to come away with a win at Verizon Center. That said, Washington has a very talented squad and could be able to stay within striking distance provided they enter the game as a team ready to give it all at both ends of the floor.

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