Washington Wizards: Wizards head to New York to start road trip
The Washington Wizards are heading to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks to start their 4-game road trip.
In their first meeting, the Washington Wizards beat the New York Knicks 108-95. This will be the second of the four times the teams will play each other this season.
The Knicks are coming off a win over the Milwaukee Bucks and the Wizards just beat the Brooklyn Nets Saturday night. Both teams are struggling. Washington’s record is now 9-14 and New York is at 8-16.
It hasn’t looked pretty for either one of these teams so far. The Knicks are young and in the process of rebuilding so their circumstances are understandable, but the Wizards situation is not.
Washington is fine beating the lower teams in the Eastern Conference, but have yet to show their worth against the top teams.
Let’s take a look at tonight’s matchup.
Game Info
Game: Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks
When: Monday, December 3
Where: Madison Square Garden
TV: NBC Sports Washington, Fubo TV
Tip-Off Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Injury Report
Wizards: Dwight Howard (Lumbar microdisectomy procedure-Out), Jeff Green (Lower Back Spasms-Questionable)
Knicks: Trey Burke (Right Knee-Doubtful), Kristaps Porzingis (Knee-Out), Lance Thomas (Knee Surgery-Out)
Projected Starting Lineup
Wizards: G-John Wall, G-Bradley Beal, F- Tomas Satoransky, F-Otto Porter, C-Thomas Bryant
Knicks: G-Emmanuel Mudiay, G-Tim Hardaway Jr., F-Mario Hezonja, F-Noah Vonleh, C-Enes Kanter
Prediction
The win against Brooklyn was the fourth consecutive win at home for the Wizards. That success needs to translate on the road where they currently stand 2-9.
The Wizards have won eight straight against the Knicks, so history is on their side. Hopefully the Wizards defensive efforts will continue as they held the Nets to only 88 points, which is a season-best.
Scott Brooks has made yet another lineup change to try and spark something more within the team. Kelly Oubre Jr. is now back on the bench and Tomas Satoransky is in the starting lineup. He played 26 minutes, finished with 7 points and 3 assists on 3-4 shooting.
Bold move by Brooks. It payed off against the Nets, but let’s see if it continues. Luckily for the team Oubre is very versatile and can adapt to any role.
New York is coming off their best win of the season as they beat the Bucks in overtime. Washington can’t assume anything and play down to their opponent in which they usually do.
The biggest concern in this game will be the rebounding battle. The Knicks grab about 12 offensive rebounds per game and that’s the seventh-best in the NBA. Thomas Bryant has played well in limited minutes, however, that always makes Markieff Morris have his hands full. On Morris’ behalf, he’s played fantastic since coming off the bench.
Enes Kanter will give the team some trouble as he’s usually a double-double machine. The Wizards shouldn’t have a problem controlling this game, but if they start to lose the rebound battle, that’s where things could start spiraling out of control.
Must Read. Washington Wizards: Pros and Cons of trading Bradley Beal. light
Overall, the Wizards are better team with more talent. They will beat the Knicks in a high scoring affair tonight.
Final Score- NYK-112, WSH-128
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