On Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, the Washington Wizards (0-3) are playing the New York Knicks (2-0) at Madison Square Garden. This is the final preseason contest of the 2021-22 NBA season for both Eastern Conference contenders. BetOnline odds are listed below.
Game Information
Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Madison Square Garden; New York, New York
TV channels: MSG, NBA League Pass, NBC Sports Washington
Radio broadcast: WTEM
Live stream: NBC Sports Washington
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks news
Additionally, in the previous three head-to-head meetings, the Knicks are 3-0 versus the Wizards. On Mar. 25, 2021, New York won 106-102 over Washington. That was the last time these teams played one another in the regular season. Of course, it also does not include last Saturday’s Wizards-Knicks exhibition game.
Leading into this final exhibition matchup for both teams, the top story for the Wizards pertains to the organization waiving Jay Huff and Jordan Schakel. This happened on Wednesday. Now, their roster is now at 18 players. On the other side, the Knicks signed Brandon Goodwin and waived Dwayne Bacon, Myles Powell and Tyler Hall.
OFFICIAL: We have waived Jay Huff and Jordan Schakel. Our roster now stands at 18 players.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) October 13, 2021
.@nyknicks Sign Brandon Goodwin, Waived Dwayne Bacon pic.twitter.com/jf3Sh7uxrS
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) October 14, 2021
Injury Report
For tonight’s matchup, the Wizards will be without Thomas Bryant, Rui Hachimura and Cassius Winston. Hachimura is out because of personal reasons, while Bryant is still recovering from his ACL injury. Plus, Winston is resting after sustaining a left hamstring strain.
As for the Knicks, they are missing Nerlens Noel and Mitchell Robinson against Washington. Nerlens is dealing with soreness in his left knee. And, Robinson is out due to soreness in his right foot as well.
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks betting lines
Over/Under: 216
Point spread: Knicks -4.5 (-110)
Best moneyline: Wizards +165, Knicks -190
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks preview
Moreover, in the Wizards’ 113-108 home loss against the Raptors on Tuesday, forward Kyle Kuzma led the team in scoring, putting up 24 points in 29 minutes played. Montrezl Harrell ended his performance with 17 points and 2.0 rebounds in 21 minutes spent on the court. Washington’s poor shooting in the fourth quarter led to their five-point loss.
While being held to 19 points in the fourth quarter, they allowed Toronto to score 32 points. Shooting-wise, the Wizards shot 38-for-88 (43.2%) from the field and 17-for-43 (39.5%) from behind the arc. Their struggles to finish strong in the second half is why the team is 0-3 in the preseason.
Meanwhile, in the Knicks’ 117-99 away victory over Washington last Saturday, forward RJ Barrett scored a team-high 18 points in 31 minutes played. Derrick Rose, who is now officially engaged to Alaina Anderson, finished his performance with 15 points, 4.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists in 19 minutes on the court.
In the team’s 18-point win, they shot 38-for-84 (45.2%) from the floor and 24-for-52 (46.2%) from three-point range. To open the second half, on top of holding Washington to 21 points, New York generated 36 points. This is exactly why they are the favorites to win on Friday.
Finally, the Wizards’ projected starting lineup for Friday night’s contest is PG Spencer Dinwiddie, SG Bradley Beal, SF Corey Kispert, PF Kyle Kuzma and C Daniel Gafford. As for the Knicks, their projected starting lineup is PG Derrick Rose, SG Evan Fournier, SF RJ Barrett, PF Julius Randle and C Taj Gibson.
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks prediction
Furthermore, the Wizards scored 113 points versus the Raptors, whereas the Knicks won their second exhibition matchup with 117 points. This is a combined total of 230 points. The total for today’s game is set at 216. Picking the over for today’s game is the most logical choice. Even with starters resting, the bench players for both Eastern Conference teams can put up dozens of points.
For betting trends, the Wizards are 1-4 straight up in their last five games played. The total has gone over in five of the team’s past six contests. Not to mention, the total has gone over in five of Washington’s previous six games played versus Eastern Conference opponents. And, they are 4-1 ATS in their last five games played in October.
As for the Knicks, they are 1-5 ATS in their past six games. Also, the total has gone under in five of the team’s last six contests. To add to these betting statistics, the total has gone under in five of New York’s previous six home games. And, they are 2-10 SU in their last 12 games played in October. For a reminder, these trends do not include preseason matches.
Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks betting pick
Pick the Knicks to win at home; the total will go over 216. The Knicks are 4.5-point favorites with BetOnline.
