Game Preview: Knicks at Wizards, December 28, 2024

The New York Knicks (21-10) are aiming for a seventh straight win as they face Washington Wizards (5-11) in DC tonight.

When they last met, on Nov. 18, the ‘Bockers’ scored 40 in the first quarter, Cameron Payne laced five triples and the ‘Zards wuz crushed, 134 to 106. More of the same could be expected tonight, but New York won an ugly game in Orlando last night and fatigue could play a role in tonight’s festivities.

The Wizards are without several key players: Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III are out with knee injuries and Kyle Kuzma is out with injured ribs. Their top man, Jordan Poole, averaging 21.3 points, five assists and 1.6 steals per game. match, is listed as day-to-day with a hip problem.

Tonight’s starting five for the Wizards will likely include Poole (if available), shooting guard Bub Carrington, forwards Justin Champagnie and Bilal Coulibaly and rookie Alexandre Sarr. They come into this game with a record of 3-7 in their last 10 games, struggling on both ends of the floor, averaging 106.7 points while allowing 119.4 points. On Thursday, they managed the Charlotte Hornets in Clash of the Cellar Dwellers. Still, it’s hard to believe they can compete for 48 minutes against a thriving Knicks team that ranks second in offense, 13th in defense, averages 117 PPG and has eight of their last ten.

Forecast

Game details

Date: Saturday 28 December 2024
Time: 19:00 ET
Place: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
TV: MSG
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky