New York Knicks vs. Washington Wizards: 5 Questions With a DC Expert

The Washington Wizards host the New York Knicks on Friday night for an In-Season Tournament battle.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 17, 2023

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks (6-5, 0-1 In-Season Tournament) are seeking their first In-Season Tournament win against the Washington Wizards (2-9, 0-2) on Friday night at Capital One Arena (7 p.m. ET, MSG). Friday's game will be the first of three matchups this season between the Knicks and Wizards.

In anticipation of tonight's game, we spoke with Inside the Wizards publisher Candi Waller.

Q: The Wizards have had a rough go at it to begin the season. What’s the biggest reason for that?

CW: This Wizards team is fairly young and still finding their way in their various roles on the team. Honestly, not just on the team but across the league. The front office has pulled together this team and surrounded them with a staff focused on player development. It’s still an the early part of the season so these are some of the growing pains associated with just coming together and learning one another. Another factor is that the Wizards have been injury-riddled early on. They have been a variety of line-up and rotation shifts due to injuries which negatively impacts continuity.

Q: If the Wizards win Friday, what would be the reason why?

CW: Both Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole light up the scoreboard and the defensive scheme starts to click. The Wizards will need both Kuzma and Poole to have strong offensive games and the bench would need to actively contribute as well. Multiple players in the 20+ range to spread the ball around and score.

Kyle Kuzma fights for a rebound against Quentin Grimes and Julius Randle (30) last season / USA TODAY SPORTS

Q: What’s one thing people should know about the Wizards that they couldn’t find in a box score?

CW: This team has grit. The young core does not back down at all. While the scoreboard nor statline gives a number for grit and tenacity, this Wizards team is top tier when it comes to that. They welcome the challenges and see them as opportunities to get better.

Q: What's a matchup that you are looking forward to seeing?

CW: Julius Randle and Daniel Gafford. I am still waiting to see Gafford keep steady and be able to go toe to toe with some of the best in the game.

Q: What's your prediction for Friday’s game?

CW: Knicks 127, Wizards 119

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Published Nov 17, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.