When the NBA announced that 22 teams would head to Orlando, Florida for eight more regular-season games, the Washington Wizards seemed certain to miss the postseason. Sitting 5.5 games out of the playoff picture with a 24-40 record, Washington felt like an unnecessary inclusion in the Disney “bubble.”

With games scheduled to resume in less than a month, the Wizards’ chances of contending for a playoff berth have increased.

The Wizards trail the No.8 seed Orlando Magic by 5.5 games and the No.7 seed Brooklyn Nets by six games. Several of Brooklyn’s top players have announced they are done for the season, giving Washington at least a shot to climb up the standings.

The possibility of a short play-in tournament could keep the Wizards in contention for the duration of the regular season. If the No.8 and No.9 seeds are separated by fewer than four games at the end of the regular season, they’ll compete for the final playoff berth. The No.8 seed would clinch a postseason spot with one victory, while the No.9 seed would need two straight wins to make the playoffs.

FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Wizards +750 odds to land the East’s final playoff spot. Still a long shot, Washington had +1400 playoff odds just two weeks ago.

Brooklyn is a -105 favorite to secure the No.8 seed. Orlando has +110 odds to get the final postseason spot in the conference.

There was once speculation that Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving might be fully recovered from their injuries and ready for the NBA’s July 30 restart. Neither star, however, will be joining the Nets in Orlando.

Center DeAndre Jordan has announced that he’ll also be skipping the NBA’s restart after testing positive for COVID-19. Guard Spencer Dinwiddie tested positive for COVID-19, as well, leaving his status for Orlando in doubt.

Jordan leads the Nets with 10.0 rebounds per game. With Irving sidelined, Dinwiddie leads Brooklyn with 20.6 points, 6.8 assists and 31.2 minutes per contest. If both players stay home, the team might be sending the worst roster into the bubble to resume the season.

The Wizards have roster issues of their own. Davis Bertans, Washington’s second-leading scorer at 15.4 points per game, has opted-out of the season because of his impending free agency. Bradley Beal, Washington's best player, is undecided regarding his plans for the season.

Washington could find out very early if it has a real chance to compete for the playoffs. The Wizards will face the Nets on Aug. 2 in their second game back.

Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on Jan. 14, 2019 in Brooklyn. Sarah Stier/Getty Images
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