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Otto Porter could see more playing time because of injuries to teammates Brad Beal (fractured wrist) and Glen Rice (sprained ankle), CSN Washington's J. Michael reports.

Porter could see more playing time because of injuries to teammates Brad Beal (fractured wrist) and Glen Rice (sprained ankle), CSN Washington's J. Michael reports.

Analysis:

With Martell Webster (back) already expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season, Porter and Rice were in line to compete for bench minutes on the wing. Then, Beal suffered a fracture that's expected to keep him out for 6-to-8 weeks, freeing up a spot in the Wizards' starting lineup. The most likely replacements for Beal are Rice and Porter, though the latter would presumably work as a small forward, pushing Paul Pierce to the shooting guard spot. With Rice now bothered by what appears to be a fairly serious ankle sprain, Porter seems even more important to Washington's plans than before. It doesn't hurt that he's having a solid preseason, following a strong showing at the Las Vegas Summer League. Last year's No. 3 overall pick should enter the season with a crucial role, though Rice is probably still the favorite to replace Beal in the starting lineup for the opener.

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