The Wizards head to New York to take on the new-look Knicks for the first time in Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Both the Wizards and Knicks are coming off of their first preseason victories and will look to keep the momentum rolling Monday evening.
We’ll have to wait to see the electric matchup of years past in John Wall and Derrick Rose as neither of them will be playing Monday night.
The last time the Wizards visited Madison Square Garden, they snuck out with a thrilling 111-108 victory. We can only hope that this game will be half as exciting.
Game Info
When - 7:30 pm EST
Where – Madison Square Garden New York, NY
TV – The game will be available on CSN Mid-Atlantic in the D.C. area and nationally on NBA TV.
Radio – Washington Wizards app
Injury Report
UPDATE: John Wall will play tonight.
John Wall will play tonight in the #Wizards preseason game vs #knicks
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) October 10, 2016
Marcin Gortat and Trey Burke were limited in practice on Sunday and are questionable for the game. Marcus Thornton is also questionable with the thumb issue that kept him out of the first two preseason games.
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will miss Monday night’s game for the Knicks.
What to watch for
Otto Porter vs. Carmelo Anthony
Anthony averaged 30 points per game against the Wizards last season, mostly at the expense of Otto Porter. Porter has struggled with bigger, more physical small forwards in the past. This will be Otto’s biggest test thus far of the preseason as he’ll likely be matched up on Anthony during the limited minutes that they will both play.
In seasons past, this is the type of game where Porter might disappear. As he continues to develop, it’ll be interesting to see if Porter can hold his own on the defensive end while still being an offensive threat in limited play.
Can Tomas Satoransky continue his excellent play?
Satoransky is averaging nine points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists through two preseason games for the Wizards. In addition, he’s played 71 minutes through the first two games, more than anyone else on the team.
Satoransky hasn’t looked like a rookie thus far playing with composure, making the right play, and running certain sets as if he’s played in this offensive scheme for years. He has looked very good through two games, let’s see if he can string together a third impressive performance.
Can Kelly Oubre Jr. continue scoring at a high level?
Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging a team-high 20 points per game this preseason on 59 percent shooting (13-22 through two games). He looks much more confident with his jump shot, especially his three-point shot where he’s knocked down four of five from range this preseason. Yes, Oubre is often playing against backups and guys who may not make the final roster; but if he can continue to score at an efficient rate, that’ll warrant more playing time once the regular season rolls around.
Most Likely Wizards Killer: Mindaugas Kuzminskas
The Lithuanian import has been solid in limited action with the Knicks so far this preseason. He’s scored 14 points on 6-9 shooting in just 18 minutes of action. If Washington has more defensive breakdowns, he’ll make them pay for it.