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Knicks game preview: Wizards in turmoil?

By Rob Wolkenbrod

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks exchange words during the first half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks exchange words during the first half of a preseason NBA game at Capital One Arena on October 01, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will face the tumultuous Washington Wizards on Sunday night.

After a road win over the Dallas Mavericks, the New York Knicks will return to face the Washington Wizards in the nation’s capital. It’s a battle of teams moving in different directions, and it’s not the Knicks on the negative end.

The Wizards have opened 2018-19 at 1-7, tied for the NBA’s second-worst record with the Phoenix Suns. Turmoil consumed this three-week stretch, including five consecutive losses and blowouts to the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.

It was a critical year for Washington, and there 74 games remain for them to turn it around. That’s despite calls for them to tear it down, like Jerry Brewer of The Washington Post. 

A talented backcourt doesn’t like each other, a group of veterans have expiring contracts, and Dwight Howard’s return proved little difference in their most recent game. Will their fortunes change against the Knicks?

Sunday’s game represents an opportunity for New York to pounce on. They face a Wizards team that gives up 123.9 points per game, good for last in the NBA, along with 48.2 percent shooting and 40.5 percent on three-pointers from the opposition.

That’s a potential field day for the Knicks, especially when some of Washington’s primary contributors offer subpar defensive ratings, according to NBA Advanced Stats:

  • Markieff Morris: 117.4 in 26.1 minutes per game
  • Kelly Oubre Jr.: 117.3 in 28 minutes per game
  • John Wall: 116.4 in 33.9 minutes per game
  • Bradley Beal: 114.5 in 33 minutes per game
  • Jeff Green: 112.9 in 24.8 minutes per game

Each player has a negative net rating, so their respective offensive output doesn’t neutralize this poor defensive statistic.

With this across the lineup, are Tim Hardaway Jr. and Frank Ntilikina in for big nights? How about Damyean Dotson on the wing?

Perhaps the most intriguing one-on-one matchup, Mitchell Robinson will battle Dwight Howard. Not the version that dominated for the Orlando Magic, but still, one of the rookie’s biggest tests yet, even after combating DeAndre Jordan.

Robinson will look to follow up his early career-high night from Friday, when he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and this highlight-reel dunk that captivated Knicks fans:

Don’t leave Allonzo Trier out of the equation. His 23-point night in Dallas was also his career-high performance, solidifying himself as the bench’s leader for the night, with more to come as the year continues.

Next. NYK have early connections to 2019 FA. dark

The Knicks will look for their first multi-game winning streak of the season at 6:00 p.m. ET on MSG and NSWA. Who will step up to make it a 4-6 record?

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