What Will Be The Challenge Tonight In New York?

Wizards Face Tough Challenge Tonight In New York

Today marks another day for yet another tough and challenging game and match up for the Washington Wizards. They are visiting the Big Apple - New York City, home of the New York Knicks where they will play a team who seems to be figuring things out and looking to build even more upon that. The Knicks are on a one game winning streak while the Wizards are on a one game losing streak. Both teams are in the midst of trying to make something special happen. For the Wizards, they need to work now to turn things around to possibly make the NBA Play-In Tournament.

Official: We have assigned Johnny Davis to the @CapitalCityGoGo.

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 16, 2024

How to Watch Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks today:

Game Date: January 18, 2024

Game Time: 7:30 p.m. EST

TV: Monumental Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Stream: Youtube TV

From: Madison Square Garden in New York, New York

Our guy STAT always reppin' 🧡💙@Amareisreal pic.twitter.com/TmPyn2fKtB

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 18, 2024

Projected Starters

Washington Wizards:

Guards: Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones

Forwards: Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija

Center: Marvin Bagley III

New York Knicks:

Guards: Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo

Forwards: OG Anunoby, Julius Randle

Center: Isaiah Hartenstein 

Why Trading For Marvin Bagley Was The Right Decision

Injury Report

Washington Wizards:

Daniel Gafford: (Concussion) OUT

New York Knicks

Mitchell Robinson: (Ankle) OUT

OG Anunoby’s last 2 games:

43 minutes
44 minutes

Working 💪 pic.twitter.com/4QhBhsGu8f

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 18, 2024

The Bottom Line

As we know, the New York Knicks have evolved into a different team since they acquired O.G. Anunoby. He is the work horse that Head Coach Tom Thibodeau adores. He is playing a lot of minutes as his defensive efforts are needed throughout the entire game. The Wizards should look to attack him defensively to get him in foul trouble. That means Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma, and even Deni Avdija need to attack the basket early and often in this game. 

The Wizards also need to figure out how to slow down Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson as well. In their last meeting, Randle was two points shy of tying his season high as he dropped 39 against the Wizards. Brunson was also lethal as he scored 33 points. The key was being efficient beyond the ark as they combined to make 7/16 shots from three in that game. The Wizards better come to play defensively if they want to win this game tonight.