Arenas starting to get some help in Washington

On Tuesday, Gilbert Arenas sprang for 20 points and dished out five assists as Washington soured Peja Stojakovic’s Indiana debut with an 84-79 win over the Pacers at the MCI Center.

With the win on Tuesday, the Wizards moved into a tie with the Pacers for seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. They are attempting to qualify for the playoffs for their second consecutive season for the first time, since the 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons.

Antawn Jamison posted a double-double with 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Wizards, who have won three of their last four and eight of their last 11.

Jamison, who leads the team with 10.0 rebounds-per-game, has been a big reason behind Washington’s strong play of late and averaged 20.9 points and 9.1 rebounds over 14 games in January, while posting double-doubles in seven of his last eight games.

The fourth overall pick by the Raptors in 1998, Jamison has averaged 22.1 points and 8.3 rebounds in 15 games against Toronto, scoring at least 26 points in his last four games against the Raptors.

Arenas leads the Wizards with 28.0 points and 6.0 assists per game.

Washington, which will return home for five games after tonight’s affair, is 8-13 away from home this season.

The Wizards have defeated the Raptors twice already this season and have won eight of the last nine matchups. Washington has also won three of four and four of its last six north of the border.