Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 9, 2024

The New York Knicks host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, marking the second of five preseason outings for both squads.

Coming off last season's 14th-place Eastern Conference finish (15-67), Washington got blown out 125-98 by the Toronto Raptors in its Sunday preseason opener.

Conversely, New York built off last season's second-place East finish (50-32), securing a 111-109 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets in its Sunday preseason opener.

While the rebuilding Wizards are again expected to be bottom feeders during the 2024-25 campaign, the Knicks project to rank among the East's premier contenders. They had a busy offseason, adding stars Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns around star guard Jalen Brunson, forming one of the league's top Big 3s.

---

Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks odds, preview and prediction

Washington and New York's preseason battle is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Madison Square Garden.

The matchup will be broadcast locally on MSG and Monumental Sports Network and via radio on The Team 980 AM / WFED 1500 AM. It can also be streamed via NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Wizards (+350) vs Knicks (-450)

Spread: Wizards +9.5 (-110) vs Knicks -9.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o221.5 (-110) vs u221.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tip-off, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

---

Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks preview

New York has advantages over Washington across the board. It boasts the top offensive (Brunson and Towns) and defensive players (OG Anunoby and Bridges) in the matchup.

The Knicks bolstered last season's squad that came within one win of the franchise's first conference finals appearance since 2000. Bridges gives them a durable two-way wing presence, while Towns offers frontcourt spacing. Meanwhile, both should alleviate pressure on Brunson to carry the team.

While New York's depth is questionable, its eight-man rotation appears built for the postseason.

Meanwhile, Washington still lacks a clear direction. The franchise drafted versatile stretch big man Alex Sarr at No. 2 in this year's draft, adding intrigue to its frontcourt. However, Sarr is considered a raw prospect.

The Wizards also acquired veterans Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas over the offseason, adding mentorship to their young roster. Nevertheless, their offense is still centered around guard Jordan Poole and forward Kyle Kuzma, two players seemingly best suited for complementary roles. Thus, Washington appears primed for another tanking season.

---

Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks predicted starting lineups

The Knicks have no reported injuries to any of their starters, with their biggest absence being reserve center Mitchell Robinson (ankle). So, their starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason clash should be as follows:

PG: Jalen Brunson SG: Mikal Bridges SF: Josh Hart PF: OG Anunoby C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Meanwhile, the Wizards, who are without Brogdon (thumb) and forward Saddiq Bey (knee), should again trot out the following starting five:

PG: Jordan Poole SG: Bilal Coulibaly SF: Kyle Kuzma PF: Alex Sarr C: Jonas Valanciunas

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

---

Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks prediction

New York has a considerable talent advantage over Washington and has homecourt advantage, with fan excitement surrounding the team's new-look roster growing. So, the Knicks should make light work of the Wizards and secure a double-digit victory if their starters play considerable minutes.

Meanwhile, the contest should be a high-scoring affair. Washington has one of the league's worst defenses, while New York probably won't be 100% locked in defensively for an exhibition match. Thus, the teams will likely surpass their 221.5 over/under point total.

---