Knicks vs. Wizards Preview: Can Lightning Strike Twice?

The Washington Wizards host the New York Knicks in the first of a two-game series tonight.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 28, 2024

Nov 18, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas (17) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are looking for another win as they take on the New York Knicks tonight at Capital One Arena.

The Wizards will have a more difficult time achieving that goal against the Knicks than they did against the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, but the momentum from that game could swing in Washington's favor.

New York is coming off a win last night against the Orlando Magic, so Washington may be able to take advantage of its fresher legs.

The talent gap is significant, but if the Wizards can find ways to tighten that, they might have a chance to make this game competitive.

The Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA, and they should be able to give the Wizards an idea of what it is like to be an established team competing for a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference.

The Wizards expect it to be a very physical game, and they are ready for the challenge that the Knicks will hand to them. If they can catch the veteran Knicks on a cold night, look out for an upset.

Here's a look at everything you need to know ahead of tonight's game:

Knicks vs. Wizards Information

Date, Location: Saturday, December 28 - Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Knicks vs. Wizards Injury Report

Charlotte Hornets

C Mitchell Robinson (OUT - foot)

Washington Wizards

SF Saddiq Bey (OUT - knee)

PF Kyle Kuzma (OUT - rib)

SG Jordan Poole (QUESTIONABLE - hip)

Knicks vs. Wizards Projected Starting Lineups

New York Knicks

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

Washington Wizards

PG Bub Carrington
SG Jordan Poole
SF Bilal Coulibaly
PF Alex Sarr
C Jonas Valanciunas

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Published Dec 28, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.