3 realistic goals for Washington Wizards in 2021 NBA Playoffs

1. Steal a few games from a superior first-round opponent

We have already mentioned this before, but this is the best-case scenario for the potentially playoff-bound Wizards. Washington needs to win one of two play-in tournament games to qualify for the 2021 NBA Playoffs. No matter if they face the Nets or the 76ers in round one, Washington should be able to win at least a game or two vs. either superior first-round opponent this spring.

Because Philadelphia has a new head coach in Doc Rivers and the Nets have a whole new cast of characters, there are no guarantees the 76ers or Brooklyn will be able to wipe the floor with Washington in a first-round series by way of a sweep or a gentleman’s sweep. Washington would not be playing with pressure in the first round, so they could steal around three games from them.

The only real pressure Washington faces this postseason is getting into the playoffs. Falling in back-to-back play-in tournament games as the eighth-place team in the Eastern Conference is not acceptable, especially with the potential second game being at home. Simply put, the Pacers or the Hornets cannot take the Wizards’ spot as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Ultimately, Washington has the most star power of the four teams taking part in the play-in tournament in the East. The Wizards’ depth may not be on par with other teams, but one would think a team featuring Beal and Westbrook and one coached by Brooks should be able to get out of the play-in tournament alive. They can to steal a handful of games in the first round as well.

The Wizards can prove they belong on the big stage with a strong postseason showing this year.