Blatche to Remain In Wizards' Starting Lineup

Andray Blatche will make his second straight start at center tonight when the Wizards face the Detroit Pistons. The starting lineup will also include Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson and Juan Dixon.

Interim coach Ed Tapscott started Blatche in place of rookie JaVale McGee on Monday night against Indiana and liked the look despite the team's 118-98 loss. Blatche scored 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and was a factor in getting Pacers center Roy Hibbert into early foul trouble. But he also finished with only two rebounds in just less than 33 minutes.

McGee started 13 games but has seen his playing time decrease steadily since Tapscott replaced Eddie Jordan.

"Andray gave us a good effort," Tapscott said. "I explained to him some of the things he did very well and I told him about some of the things I would like to see him improve upon. But, if Andray Blatche can give me double figures every night, we are going to be in good shape."

Tapscott breaks the season into seven-game segments so he'll likely continue to go with the current starting lineup at least through the next six contests.

As the Bench Goes . . .

A huge key to the team's 107-94 home win over Detroit on Dec. 9 was bench production. Led by forward Darius Songaila (15 points) and guard Juan Dixon (16 points), Washington's reserves outscored Detroit's, 59-15. However, Dixon and Blatche, who scored eight points in that game, are now starters.

Up Next: Wednesday at Detroit 7:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980

Friday vs. Philadelphia 7 p.m. Comcast SportsNet, WTEM-980