Wizards, Capitals to use video game simulations to replace postponed games

The Washington Wizards and Capitals will entertain fans with video game simulations while finishing the rest of their regular seasons virtually.

Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the company that owns the NBA and NHL franchises, will broadcast video game simulations of both team's previously scheduled matchups that have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The games will air during every suspended contest's original time slot.

Wizards games will be simulated on NBA 2K20, with the first one scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Capitals' first simulation will be broadcast at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, when they'll face the St. Louis Blues on NHL 20.

Both the basketball and hockey broadcasts will span an hour and be shown on NBC Sports Washington and the Monumental Sports Network. The NHL games will also feature live commentary from Capitals TV announcers on NBC Sports Washington.

"We know that fans are as disappointed as we are not to be able to watch our favorite teams on a nightly basis," Zach Leonsis, the company's senior vice president of strategic initiatives, said in a statement.

"We hope that these fun and engaging video game simulations will entertain our fans and help provide a greater sense of normalcy during these challenging times," he continued. "We hope that when people tune in and watch these simulated games, they will be able to enjoy some friendly competitive play from the comforts of their own home."

The Phoenix Suns have also been using NBA 2K20 to play out their postponed contests. However, they aren't doing a full simulation, and real players are controlling the team and its opponents.