Five Keys to a Playoff Run

1. PICK IT UP ON THE ROAD

Seventeen of the Wizards' final 31 games will be on the road, including 12 of their final 16. The Wizards have lost four consecutive road games and are 8-16 on the road overall.

2. GO WEST

The season's key stretch will be March 23 through April 1, when the Wizards embark on a six-game trip that will include games against the Jazz, Clippers, Warriors, Kings, Rockets and Spurs.

3. CARRY THE LOAD

Gilbert Arenas, the team's leading scorer, and Antawn Jamison, the team's leading rebounder, must figure out how to stay fresh for the stretch drive. Arenas is averaging a career-high 42.0 minutes per game, Jamison 39.2.

4. PLAY THEIR ROLES

Players besides Arenas, Jamison and Caron Butler must help out. Backup C Etan Thomas has been a non-factor while the production of starters Jared Jeffries and Brendan Haywood has fluctuated. Rookie G Donell Taylor has shown promise but veteran G Antonio Daniels must continue to be a factor in the fourth quarter. Michael Ruffin should continue to do the little things.

5. MAKE A STATEMENT

The Wizards can send a message about their playoff worthiness in upcoming games against Cleveland, Memphis, Miami, Detroit and Dallas. Sixteen of their final 31 games are against potential playoff teams.