Knicks-Wizards Preview

(AP) -- The only thing that has slowed down John Wall's scoring production on this homestand is the ease with which his teammates scored in the Washington Wizards' last game.

Wall and the Wizards just cruised past one of the worst clubs in the NBA and will try to do the same by completing a sweep of the New York Knicks on Friday night.

Washington (42-33) never trailed and led by as many as 34 in Wednesday's 106-93 victory over Philadelphia that left it at 2-2 on this five-game stretch at home.

Wall had 13 points, 15 assists and four rebounds while not shooting a free throw for the first time in his last 21 home games. He averaged 30.3 points, 8.0 assists and 7.0 boards while totaling 31 free-throw attempts in his previous three contests.

"We came out and played the right way and it's good to get a win," Wall said.

Marcin Gortat made 10 of 11 shots for 23 points and added 14 rebounds while Bradley Beal scored 20 for Washington, which shot a season-high 57.9 percent.

The Wizards played without Paul Pierce, who was rested after averaging 4.6 points and shooting 6 of 27 over his last five games.

"I thought he needed a breather, so I decided to ask him if it would do him any good and he thought it would," coach Randy Wittman said.

Otto Porter started in Pierce's place and turned in his second straight 15-point effort.

Washington is beginning a back-to-back set with a difficult game at Memphis on tap Saturday. Wittman hasn't indicated whether he would limit or rest any of his stars Friday, though Wall said his preference is to play.

"I don't like to take time off, I like to compete, I like to play basketball," Wall said. "This is what I love to do. This is my job and I just don't do it for myself and my teammates, I do it for the fans and the people that I am role models to."

There are few role models on New York's depleted roster in this dismal season. The Knicks (14-61) have dropped eight straight after a 100-98 home loss to Brooklyn on Wednesday in which they wasted a rally from a 14-point, fourth-quarter deficit.

"All of the guys fought hard and competed tonight and that's what we continue to ask them to do despite our situation," coach Derek Fisher said.

The Wizards will get their first look at Andrea Bargnani, who missed the first three matchups due to injury. Bargnani has averaged 20.3 points in his last three games.

Knicks rookie Cleanthony Early has scored 13.3 points per game over his past four after missing five contests with an ankle injury.

Washington has captured the first three 2014-15 matchups to stretch its win streak in the series to six. The Wizards have outscored the Knicks by 54 in the paint this season, and haven't trailed in the last two meetings.