The Washington Wizards have gained ground in the playoff race by capitalizing on opportunities such as facing a Cleveland Cavaliers team without LeBron James earlier this week.
That won't be the case when the resurgent Wizards visit Cleveland on Friday night seeking a season-high fifth consecutive win.
Three games out of a playoff spot at the All-Star break, Washington (30-30) has closed within a half-game of eighth-place Detroit in the Eastern Conference by winning seven of nine since returning. It's taken advantage of two meetings with NBA-worst Philadelphia and one with another non-contender in Minnesota during its streak, the club's longest since a four-game run Jan.