John Wall returns to Wizards' starting lineup on Friday night

After playing the last seven games coming off the bench, John Wall is ready to reclaim his rightful spot among the Wizards' starting five.

Wall is slated to start on Friday night against the Timberwolves.

Wall is working his way back from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for Washington's first 32 games. He's playing an average of 25.1 minutes on a minutes restriction. The most minutes that Wall has played is 31.

Since his return, the Wizards have performed considerably better, going 4-3. Overall, though, they're 9-31. So that 4-3 looks kind of spectacular now, doesn't it?

Wall is averaging 14.0 points and 6.9 assists as he works his way back into game shape. He has shown flashes of his old brilliance. But with Washington well outside the playoff picture, coach Randy Wittman and the Wizards are only interested in maintaining Wall's health. No reason to push him, because the Wizards aren't really playing for anything now other than pride.