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Knicks game preview: Pelicans arrive for MSG opener

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates with teammate Lance Thomas #42 during the preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates with teammate Lance Thomas #42 during the preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on October 3, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will play their first home game of the preseason against the New Orleans Pelicans.

It’s already the third preseason game for the New York Knicks, who make their Madison Square Garden debut against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, Oct. 5. This also marks the midway point on the preseason schedule, with just two matchups left before the meaningful action.

Knicks head coach David Fizdale has not announced the starting lineup for the regular season opener, which will remain the case until the preseason’s end. However, his lineup for the first two games potentially indicates its direction.

Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr., Kevin Knox, Lance Thomas and Enes Kanter each started against the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets. Both groups were involved in winning efforts and all arguably stand as the best option at their respective spot.

However, Allonzo Trier has arguably performed as New York’s best player through two games—the same one who joined the team on a two-way contract after no one selected him in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Trier averaged 19 points and three rebounds on 57.9 percent shooting in just 23.5 minutes per game. Whether it happened through fancy ball handling or outside shots, he has shown standout ability early on.

Aside from Trier, Kanter played admirably against the Nets, with 22 points and 20 rebounds. It arrived quietly, due to the game’s other storylines, but still proved as a worthy showcase for the pending free agent.

Of course it’s only two preseason games, and a run that’s potentially just an aberration. So can the Arizona product sustain this success?

For the New Orleans Pelicans, they still have Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday around to lead this potential Western Conference team. Though, they underwent offseason changes when DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo bolted for the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.

Without Cousins, New Orleans made the playoffs. They acquired Elfrid Payton to replace Rondo, but how will this group play with changes to the backcourt? Will Davis pick up most of the scoring load against the Knicks?

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Information on how to watch the Knicks vs. Pelicans are below, including the TV channel and live stream link:

Date: Friday, Oct. 5
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: New York City, NY
Venue: Madison Square Garden
TV info: MSG
Live stream: NBA League Pass

Friday’s matchup can be seen on MSG, with a stream available on NBA League Pass; however, it requires a paid subscription, with multiple pricing options available for those interested in team options or league-wide options.

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