Wizards to pick fifth (updated)

So much for the Wizards getting a little lucky in the NBA Draft Lottery tonight.

With a 17.8 percent chance of getting the top overall pick, the Wizards instead own the fifth choice, which is the lowest they could have possibly picked. So, unfortunately for Wizards fans, Blake Griffin or Ricky Rubio will not be coming to Washington. I guess that lucky medallion wasn't all that effective.

Then again, before complaining too much, the Sacramento Kings, who had the best possible chance (25 percent) to receive the top overall pick, will pick right in front of the Wizards at number four.

Also, congratulations to the L.A. Clippers on winning the lottery and earning yet another chance to waste the career of a top draft choice.

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Update: ESPN's Chad Ford already has a mock draft up, and he has the Wizards taking James Harden out of Arizona State:

The Wizards have to be hurting a little, falling to No. 5, but actually Harden would be a great fit. He's one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft and would be a great backcourt mate with Gilbert Arenas.

The team will look at Tyreke Evans and DeMar DeRozan, too, but I think Harden is the obvious pick here.

Well, that's fine. Harden could fit in nicely at some point if the Wizards take him, but will he be able to mature quickly enough to make a difference while playing with Arenas, Butler, and Jamison? Again, no one knows that. But it is rather disheartening that the one player who could do that, Blake Griffin, will probably be headed to the Clippers.

Duke tops Maryland, 78-67

Maryland, trying to ride a wave of momentum and complete an improbable two-game stretch against No. 3 North Carolina and No. 7 Duke, fell behind late in the second half when Gerald Henderson and Kyle Singler hit consecutive three-pointers. Ahead 66-60, Duke took the lead for good.

The Terps could've used more from its best player, Greivis Vasquez, in the second half, but he picked up his fourth personal foul with 18 minutes left in the game. Because of the foul trouble, Vasquez was limited to 22 minutes (10 points, six rebounds, five assists) in the game. Sean Mosley also missed a few minutes in the second half after apparently twisting his ankle.

Landon Milbourne (19 points), Adrian Bowie (14 points), and Eric Hayes (10 points) all had solid games. Dave Neal had an OK night with six points, but he did have one bone-jarring screen on Nolan Smith, who didn't return to the game afterwards.

Unfortunately, Cliff Tucker didn't contribute much, as he had just four points in 19 minutes on one-of-five shooting. Apparently he can only score points against North Carolina; he hasn't scored more than 14 points against anyone else this season.

Duke might have been in trouble if not for the play of Henderson -- 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and four blocks. Henderson got Duke going with a thunderous dunk early in the second half, and he also played pretty good defense and made some timely blocks. He stepped up for Singler, who didn't have one of his best games.

Even with the loss, Maryland still controls its NCAA Tournament chances. The Terps' three remaining games are: at NC State, home against No. 14 Wake Forest, and at Virginia. With the way Wake Forest has been playing, all three games are winnable.

The loss to Duke hurts, as it always does, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Now isn't the time for panic.

AP Photo/Rob Carr