New York aims to finish the preseason undefeated.
In their final scrimmage before the curtain goes up on the NBA season, both the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards are likely to rest key players. Tonight, with stars riding the pine, it’s another chance for Knicks’ rookies (Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, and Tyler Kolek) to shine, as they did in a victory over the Hornets on Tuesday. And it’s an opportunity for fringe Wizards like Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Tristan Vukcevic to prove their value to the club. Who knows—maybe former top-ten pick Johnny Davis will rise from his stupor like Lazarus-with-a-jumpsuit. Stranger things have happened.
By this stage, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has written his nine-man rotation in ink. If there’s a storyline to follow tonight, it will be: who plays extra minutes with Landry Shamet injured. T.J. Warren, perhaps? A few years have passed since the promising forward lit up the scoreboard in the NBA bubble, and injuries have taken their toll, but 31-years-old isn’t ancient, and the former 14th pick could have enough juice left to contribute meaningfully off the Knicks bench. What’s that? You’re holding out for Marcus Morris, Sr.? Seems unlikely, but we can dig it.
The Zards will be the league’s punching bag this season. So shall they be again tonight. New York beat them once this preseason, 117-94, thanks to a double-double performance by Karl-Anthony Towns. Tonight, whoever plays for the Knicks will put a pretty orange bow on an undefeated preseason. Precious Achiuwa for 30! New York by +10. And then it’s on to Boston for opening night next week.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks at Washington Wizards
When: Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Watch: MSG and NBA League Pass
Follow: @ptknicksblog