NBA

Preseason Game Preview: Knicks vs. Wizards, October 8, 2026

October 8, 2026

The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden for their first preseason contest since clinching the NBA title in June, hosting the Washington Wizards in a high-stakes opener. After a 97-120 defeat in Philadelphia—where starters played limited minutes and coach Mike Brown deployed 20 players—the Knicks aim to bounce back, while the Wizards make their preseason debut, testing Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and rookie sensation AJ Dybantsa against a defending champion.

The last regular-season meeting in March ended with New York dominating in the second half (62% shooting) to win 145-113, led by Karl-Anthony Towns (26 points, 16 rebounds) and Jalen Brunson (23 points). The Wizards, still rebuilding after a 17-65 season, face an uphill battle, with Dybantsa—selected first overall from BYU—carrying expectations as a high-usage two-way prospect, while supporting cast members like Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson have yet to stabilize the roster.

With physicality a concern for the Knicks, the Wizards’ bench, featuring players like Bilal Coulibaly and Deandre Ayton, will need to step up after a shaky preseason start for New York’s reserves.