New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards Preseason Preview: How, Who to Watch in Finale

The New York Knicks host the Washington Wizards' Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma at Madison Square Garden after last night's loss to the Boston Celtics.

With the regular season's tip-off a week away, the New York Knicks will play their final 2023 exhibition game on Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards.

Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, and Josh Hart sat out last night against the Boston Celtics, but it is expected that they will suit up for Wednesday's finale. 

On the Wizards' side, Johnny Davis (elbow), Anthony Gill (hamstring), and Landry Shamet (toe) are out, while Patrick Baldwin Jr (knee), Taj Gibson (groin), and Deni Avdija (back) are day-to-day.

The Knicks enter this game coming off a Tuesday loss to the Celtics. Seven players scored in double figures in a 123-110 defeat, as guard Quentin Grimes led he way with 22 points alongside 16 for Miles McBride, 

Washington has won each of its first two preseason games, including a 98-92 win over the Charlotte Hornets last Thursday night. Kyle Kuzma dropped 19 points in 24 minutes while rookie Bilal Coulibaly had 12 with four steals.

New York and Washington will do battle three times this regular season. The first meeting on Nov. 17 will count toward the group standings in the first annual NBA In-Season Tournament.

What: Washington Wizards (2-0) @ New York Knicks (1-2) (Preseason)

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When/Watch: Wednesday 7:30 p.m. ET, MSG

Who's Favored: NYK -7.0

Jalen Brunson (11) is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out Tuesday's game in Boston / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Keep an Eye On: Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard has played a total of just 20 minutes this preseason, but has made the most of them with 19 points in that span. He put in 10 in six minutes on 4-of-5 shooting in Oct. 9's win over Boston but converted just 1-of-5 in a loss to Minnesota on Saturday. For fans to be confident in Brunson's play going into the season, a 20-minute performance could build excitement, especially if it leads to a win at home to close out the exhibition slate. 

Wizard to Watch: Bilal Coulibaly

The rookie has looked promising through his two preseason games, which included the aforementioned dozen-point tally (5-of-8 from the field) against the Hornets. Along with that offense, he has swiped seven steals in both games, making him a liability for the Knick offense. Standing at 6-6, Coulibaly will be a problem in the regular season for opposing guards.

Prediction

If the Knicks play all of their starters tonight, a home win seems to be in the cards. The Wizards come into the game with several injuries, so their coaching staff will be wary of playing key participants for too many minutes. Knicks coaches will be ready to get fans excited for the start of the regular season in a week.

It is the preseason, so anything can happen, but with home-court advantage and more available players, the Knicks have a step up over the hobbled Wizards.

Knicks 95, Wizards 88