Wittman expects Wall to play in Game 6 on Friday

Washington Wizards point guard John Wall surprised everyone by suiting up in what turned out to be a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Al Horford and the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

Despite playing with five fractures in his left hand and wrist, Wall looked to be in top form. He relentlessly attacked the basket and played some truly inspired defense in limiting the Hawks' point guards to just 4-of-17 shooting and 11 turnovers. He managed 15 points on 7-of-16 shooting with four rebounds, seven assists, four steals and two blocks in 37 minutes.

But after sustaining multiple hits to his injured hand on Wednesday, Wall said after the game he's no guarantee to play in Game 6.

Wizards coach Randy Wittman had a slightly more optimistic outlook Thursday, saying he expects Wall to suit up for Friday's possible elimination game in Washington, according to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post.

Wall will be examined by team doctors at some point in the day, but according to Wittman, he isn't experiencing any swelling for the time being, a promising sign.

With the Hawks holding a 3-2 series lead over the Wizards, Wall has all the short-term incentive in the world to play. After Game 5, Wittman called Wall the toughest player he's been around in his 30 years in the NBA, but he also noted before the game that Washington can't lose sight of Wall's long-term health.

Wall has enjoyed a tremendous playoff campaign, averaging 17 points, 11.7 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 38 minutes. The Wizards have posted a sterling offensive rating of 109.4 with him on the floor, and his defense at the point of attack has been crucial to the team's second-ranked unit.