Wizards Open Preseason at the Garden Against the Reigning Champion Knicks

Washington's preseason opener is a stiff test against the defending champs at Madison Square Garden.

WAS @ NYK Oct 8, 2026 at 11:30 PM UTC

The Wizards could hardly pick a tougher way to begin their preseason. They open at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, the defending champions who beat the Spurs in a five-game NBA Finals. For Washington, this is the first televised look at the full roster together, and some rust is the likeliest result. Preseason games reward continuity, and New York brings the more established group.

The Wizards' appeal lies in how many open questions they have. No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and the other young players get a real NBA test, and the rebuilt roster is still sorting out roles. Trae Young's adjustment may matter most. If he shares on-ball touches smoothly with the young players and still draws fouls, Washington's offense can look organized. If he doesn't, the possessions may stall against a champion's defense. Availability is another unknown. Alex Sarr is listed as questionable with a foot issue, and preseason injury listings are not official, so the rotations may shift late.

The Knicks have their own background noise. Karl-Anthony Towns' contract extension talks are unresolved, and his quote, "It don't look good," shows the frustration. A distraction like that does not always show up on the floor, but it is a lingering storyline for a team that otherwise has little to prove.

I expect the Knicks to take control once their rotation players settle in. They have the champion's cohesion, and Washington's young group will probably have good stretches but also lapses in spacing and defensive communication. The Wizards should compete and learn something, but New York's experience should decide it.

Prediction: Knicks 118, Wizards 108.

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