Wizards vs. Knicks Preview: Can the Knicks Suffer Their First Preseason Loss?

On October 19, the NBA preseason enters its final game day with the Wizards hosting the Knicks.

The two teams met nine days ago in New York, where the Knicks defeated the Wizards 117-94.

In their previous four preseason games, the Wizards have a record of 1-3. In their last game, the Wizards suffered a significant loss to the Nets, 92-131. Only four players scored in double digits, with Jordan Poole leading the way with 13 points. Other contributors were James Wiseman, Richaun Holmes, and Johnny Juzang, each scoring 10 points. Kyle Kuzma shot 3-of-12 from the field, finishing with just 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Knicks have been impressive in the preseason, winning all four of their games. Even when Tom Thibodeau rested key players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart in their last game, the Knicks still managed to defeat the Hornets 111-105 with a mix of rotation and fringe players.

Five Knicks players scored in double digits: Precious Achiuwa contributed 20 points and 16 rebounds, Jalen Brunson had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, Quentin Grimes added 18 points and 5 assists, Dalen Terry scored 16 points, and Cam Reddish chipped in 11 points, while Jericho Sims recorded 7 points and 10 rebounds.

During the offseason, the Wizards made several significant moves, adding Jonas Valanciunas, Saddiq Bey, and Malcolm Brogdon. They also selected Jalen Duren as the second overall pick in the draft and picked up Tre Carringtion and KeShawn George. On the departure side, Deni Avdija, Gary Trent Jr., and Landry Shamet moved on, with Shamet joining the Knicks for this game.

The Knicks were one of the most active teams in the summer, trading away Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns. The addition of Mikal Bridges further strengthened the team. In the draft, the Knicks selected Dalen Terry, Cole Swider, Kaleb Wesson, and Hook Porter.

In terms of injuries, Mitchell Robinson and Kaleb Wesson are out for the Knicks, while the status of Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Obi Toppin, Landry Shamet, and Mikal Bridges is uncertain. For the Wizards, Jonas Valanciunas, Cheick Diallo, and Jalen Duren are questionable, and Saddiq Bey and Malcolm Brogdon are confirmed to be out.

The importance of preseason games is not as high, and it remains unclear what lineups both teams will field. Will the Wizards, returning home, manage to hand the Knicks their first preseason loss? We’ll have to wait and see!