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Knicks game preview: The first starters, young Hawks and how to watch

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 03: Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks holds a timeout 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: Head Coach David Fizdale of the New York Knicks holds a timeout 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 open the 2018-19 season against the Atlanta Hawks. A preview of the game, a look at how to watch these teams collide.

After almost one month of press conference, practices and preseason games, the New York Knicks will finally take the court for their season opener. It’s against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Just over 24 hours before start time, head coach David Fizdale confirmed the starting lineup for this game: Enes Kanter, Lance Thomas, Frank Ntilikina, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke.

Ntilikina was the surprise over Kevin Knox, who started all five preseason games for the Knicks. Fizdale opted to put him on the bench, for now, and try to earn his way into the lineup. What will the response be Wednesday night?

Burke’s inclusion in the starting lineup was almost a foregone conclusion, with Ntilikina, who also competed for point guard, at small forward. Otherwise, Emmanuel Mudiay was the other option, and he will miss this game with an injury, according to ESPN’s Ian Begley:

Allonzo Trier and Mitchell Robinson are the other Knicks rookies to watch out for. Both made an impression in the preseason, including the former’s unexpected run to earn him a stay into his two-way contract.

Trier and Robinson are in for backup roles, but they have the chance to flash the potential from meaningless games into those that matter.

As for the Hawks, it’s the official NBA debut for Trae Young, the No. 5 pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. He came out of college with hype due to his outside shooting and ability to pass.

In the preseason, the Oklahoma product produced 15 points and 5.4 assists per game on 39.4 percent shooting. What is he in line for against the Knicks?

Atlanta won’t have John Collins, a popular pick for a breakout season, with soreness in his left ankle. That means larger roles for Taurean Prince and the ageless Vince Carter, who’s back for another NBA season.

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Information on how to watch the Knicks vs. Hawks are below, including the game time and live stream information:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Manhattan, NY
Venue: Madison Square Garden
TV info: FSSE, MSG
Live stream: NBA League Pass

Fans can watch this game on MSG and FSSE in their local markets. If not, a stream will be available on NBA League Pass, but for a subscription fee amongst the available price packages.

Will the Knicks knock off the Hawks on opening night? Who will rise to the occasion at home?

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