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New York Knicks: What to watch for in third preseason game

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Elfrid Payton #6 and Chris Chiozza #9 of the Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards as he makes a pass during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 2019 in 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 11: Elfrid Payton #6 and Chris Chiozza #9 of the Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards as he makes a pass during their game at Madison Square Garden on October 11, 2019 in 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will play their third preseason game on Wednesday, Oct. 16, against the Atlanta Hawks. What is there to watch for?

After a bumpy ride against the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks will finally move on to a new opponent, the Atlanta Hawks, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, for their penultimate preseason game. It, again, takes place at Madison Square Garden.

As the exhibition games wind down, what is there to watch for as the Knicks return to the court?

An opportunity

Elfrid Payton struck out in his second chance at claiming the point guard job, with zero points and two assists in 25 minutes. He missed his opportunity while Dennis Smith Jr. sat due to a back injury.

Well, the third-year man is back for the Knicks, to reclaim the role that belonged to him for the second half of the 2019-20 season.

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One strong showing can put Smith at the forefront, with a final opportunity against the New Orleans Pelicans, before the regular season starts. As long as he moves the ball and shows some capability scoring, point guard could be his.

Will the other rookie play?

Ignas Brazdeikis has played just seven minutes in two games. Knicks head coach David Fizdale knows work is ahead, but that may not mean the team’s second round pick receives much playing time in the last two games.

Perhaps Fizdale creates an opportunity for Brazdeikis by playing him a full quarter over someone who has a guaranteed role. They can see what he does against NBA competition and assess from there.

Projecting the starting lineup

Fizdale kept the same starting lineup in place for the first two preseason games, but after a troublesome loss, will he make changes? If so, it could play out as the following:

The only change is Smith over Payton; that can become a two-game stint, with a final decision arriving afterward. Otherwise, the other four players are set in stone.

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The Knicks, at 1-1, and the Hawks will go head-to-head at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and MSG.

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