The Washington Wizards (1-1) and New York Knicks (1-1) are set to clash in a 2016-2017 NBA Preseason game at the Madison Square Garden on Monday, Oct. 10.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru the NBA League Pass.
Preview
Washington is still playing without main man John Wall, who is reportedly closer than ever to returning from a double knee surgery in the summer.
The 26-year-old three-time NBA All-Star had both of his knees surgically repaired this offseason after coping with minor problems throughout last season. Instead of trying to get by again this coming season, Wall decided to go ahead and get under the knife to permanently repair his knee issues.
In his place, head coach Scott Brooks utilized three-year pro Trey Burke, who was acquired from the Utah Jazz in July in exchange for a 2021 second-round draft pick.
Burke was effective so far, playing an average of 25.0 minutes in the team's first two preseason games and also contributing 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. The former Michigan Wolverines standout is expected to start for the Wizards until Wall returns.
A notable bench player for Washington is sophomore wingman Kelly Oubre Jr. Last summer's 15th overall pick scored 16 points off the bench during the team's home loss in their preseason opener against the Miami Heat before firing a game-high 24 points in a 125-119 win over the Philadelphia 76ers last Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Knicks played a lot better than their 130-103 opening game loss to the Houston Rockets by routing cross-city rivals Brooklyn Nets, 116-98, also at the Madison Square Garden last Saturday.
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah did not play in the second game and head coach Jeff Hornacek replaced them with Brandon Jennings and Marshall Plumlee in the starting lineup.
Carmelo Anthony bounced back from the poor showing against the Rockets by scoring 16 points on 16-for-11 shooting in only 19 minutes. He also had four rebounds and three assists in a remarkable all-around display.
Jennings was also impressive in only 14 minutes of playing time, scoring four points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing off five assists.
There was also notable bench production with Chasson Randle, Willy Hernangomez, Maurice Daly Ndour, and veteran Sasha Vujacic scoring 14, 12, 12, and 11 points respectively.
Prediction
Another strong showing for the Knicks at home as the bench begins to become comfortable with their corresponding roles.