BetQL Gives Wizards 41.7% Chance To Make Playoffs

• The Washington Wizards just barely made the postseason in 2020 and BetQL is projecting just a 41.7% chance that they return to the postseason in 2022.

• The Wizards are +450 to make the playoffs at DraftKings and -700 to miss out, so sportsbooks aren't too optimistic about Washington either.

• With Russell Westbrook gone, will the Wizards be able to make a playoff push?

No Russ, And That Means Bust?

I respect the BetQL model immensely, and it's no secret that the Eastern Conference has improved as a whole since last season. My main problem is that I think the Wizards are actually much better now than they were last season when they made the postseason.

If you have read my writing before, you know that I am no fan of Russell Westbrook. I think he is one of the worst players to have on your roster in the NBA. A guard that is selfish and a ball-hog, but can't hit the broad side of a barn with his shots. Seriously, he's an awful shooter, one of the worst in the entire league. I'm not sure how losing a player like that makes you worse.

The model is giving Washington a 41.7% chance to make the playoffs next season. I would say that is just about right, because I think that while the Wizards have definitely gotten better with addition by subtraction, the rest of the East has gotten tougher. I'm not sure Washington will be able to keep up with some of the other challengers. Still, +450 is pretty decent when the model is giving them over 40%. It's worth considering.

Why Washington Can Make A Playoff Push

Well, Russ is gone, so that definitely helps them and hurts the Los Angeles Lakers out West. They made a splash by signing former Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie in free agency, who is a very underrated and versatile player. Washington finally rid themselves of Scott Brooks after five seasons, a much needed change. Wes Unseld Jr. will be a breath of fresh air as their new head coach, after serving as an associate head coach for the Denver Nuggets.

Dinwiddie and star Bradley Beal will make an electric duo for the Wizards in year one under Unseld. Beal is getting closer to becoming a free agent, so Washington will be in "win-now" mode as they attempt to keep Beal for the long-term. Beal averaged over 30 points per game last year, while Dinwiddie is coming off of an ACL tear. However, when he is healthy, he is an All-Star caliber player. He averaged 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in his last healthy season, so the pair will should light up some scoreboards.

They also got depth from trading Westbrook, guys like Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell from the Lakers in the deal. That is a great haul honestly, and just another reason I think they are better.