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Know the opponent

Here's a rundown of the Washington Wizards, a team in the playoffs for the first time since 2008:

StartersPG John Wall: It took a few years, but the top pick of the 2010 has blossomed into a star. Wall hasn't made any dramatic improvements but gradually stepped up in all stat categories. This season, he averaged 19.3 points and ranked second in the league in assists (8.8).

SG Bradley Beal: The Wizards seemed to make the right call by choosing Beal No. 3 in the 2012 draft. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.1 points, connected on 40 percent from 3-point land and can create his own shot.

SF Trevor Ariza: The well-traveled Ariza was a starter on the Lakers' championship team in 2009. But overall, this is just his fifth trip to the playoffs in 10 NBA seasons. He averaged 14.4 points, not far from his career-high, and shot 40.7 percent from 3-point range.

PF Trevor Booker: He usually starts, but plays light minutes (22 per game). Not a big scorer, but averaged a respectable 6.8 points.

C Marcin Gortat: Traded from Phoenix just before the season began, Gortat (13.2 ppg, team-best 9.5 rpg) has brought inside depth to Washington. He also has playoff experience, reaching the '09 Finals as Dwight Howard's backup in Orlando.

BenchNene: The veteran big man could be an X-factor in this series. He was sidelined in late February with a sprained MCL and has only played in four games since coming back, but scored in double figures in all four.

Martell Webster: Another dangerous 3-point shooter, connecting on 39 percent of his attempts. As a team, the Wizards rank fourth in the league in 3-point percentage at .380.

Andre Miller: Miller, 38, joined the team in late February and has been averaging 15 minutes as Wall's backup. He's not as good as he used to be, but has some moments, such as 9 assists in the win over Miami last Monday.

Al Harrington: Another veteran scorer coming off the bench, Harrington has six double-figure scoring games since March 21.

Drew Gooden: One-time Bull helped fill in while Nene was hurt, but hasn't played much recently.

Kevin Seraphin: This was the guy who went to the Wizards with Kirk Hinrich in 2010. He seemed on his way to becoming a quality post scorer a couple years ago, but doesn't play much these days.

Otto Porter Jr.: A high draft pick having a disappointing rookie year? A lot of that going around the NBA this season. Porter averaged 2.1 points.

Chris Singleton: A decent role-playing forward who has fallen out of the rotation.

Garrett Temple: Tyrus Thomas' old LSU buddy got pushed out of the backup point guard role by Miller.

CoachRandy Wittman: In some ways, Wittman is the Mike Dunleavy of NBA coaches. This was his eighth season as a head coach - three of those were partial - and the first time he finished with a winning record. He also headed Cleveland and Minnesota before taking over the Wizards in 2012. Even as an NBA assistant, Wittman has been to the playoff four times and never gotten out of the first round.

Wizards guard John Wall drives past Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., Friday, Apr. 11, 2014. Associated Press
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