By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The season got off to an exciting but disappointing start for the Wizards when they suffered a 119-110 overtime loss at Indiana on Oct. 31.

When the teams meet again tonight at Verizon Center, the Wizards will focus in part on handling Pacers point guard Jamaal Tinsley, who scored 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime while repeatedly breaking down the Washington defense with dribble penetration.

Gilbert Arenas forced overtime by making a three-pointer at the buzzer, but the Wizards managed only one field goal in the extra period.

The Wizards were also hurt that night by Danny Granger (20 points, 13 rebounds) and Mike Dunleavy Jr. (25 points, 12 rebounds). After a 3-0 start, the Pacers have lost four straight.

Former Baltimore Bullets great Earl Monroe will have his number (No. 10) retired in a ceremony that is scheduled for the Dec. 1 game against Toronto. The numbers of Wes Unseld (41), Elvin Hayes (11) and Gus Johnson (25) already have been retired.

Monroe played for the Bullets from 1967 until November 1971. He won the league's rookie of the year award in 1968 and set a franchise record for points scored in a game with 56 in a win over the Lakers on Feb. 13, 1968. The mark stood until last December when Arenas scored 60 in a win over the Lakers.

Monroe was traded to the Knicks for Mike Riordan and Dave Stallworth on Nov. 10, 1971.

UP NEXT Tonight vs. Pacers7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Friday at Timberwolves8 p.m. Comcast SportsNet Plus, WTEM-980 UP NEXT Tonight vs. Pacers7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980 Friday at Timberwolves8 p.m. Comcast SportsNet Plus, WTEM-980