Wizards Rookie Watkins Draws Start Against Nets

Injuries and trades open up opportunity for second-round pick

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Jamir Watkins, a rookie second-round draft pick for the Washington Wizards, will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Several Wizards players are unavailable due to injury or pending trades, leading to Watkins' third start of the season. The 22-year-old has carved out a consistent role off the bench lately, averaging 5.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 steals over his last 10 games.

Why it matters

Watkins' promotion to the starting lineup represents an opportunity for the young player to showcase his skills and potentially earn more playing time going forward. The Wizards have struggled with injuries and roster turnover this season, so Watkins' performance could impact his role and future with the team.

The details

With several Wizards players unavailable due to injury or pending trades, rookie second-round pick Jamir Watkins will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Watkins has recently established a consistent role off the bench, averaging 5.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.5 steals over his last 10 games.

  • Watkins will start Saturday's game against the Nets.

The players

Jamir Watkins

A rookie second-round draft pick for the Washington Wizards who has carved out a consistent role off the bench lately.

Washington Wizards

An NBA team based in Washington, D.C. that has struggled with injuries and roster turnover this season.

Brooklyn Nets

An NBA team based in Brooklyn, New York that the Wizards will be playing against on Saturday.

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The takeaway

Watkins' promotion to the starting lineup represents an opportunity for the young player to showcase his skills and potentially earn more playing time with the Wizards, who have dealt with roster instability this season.