Who: Knicks at Washington Wizards
Where: Verizon Center
When: 7 p.m. (MSG 2)
Game Notes:
- The Knicks rolled in Wednesday's preseason opener, beating Bauru Basket, 100-81, at MSG.
- Carmelo Anthony looked sharp in his first game action since knee surgery last February. The Brazilian club team had no answer for his array of offensive moves, and Melo swished and dished to the tune of 17 points (on 8-of-10 shooting) in 20 minutes. He's back.
- Kristaps Porzingis and Sasha Vujacic joined Jose Calderon, Robin Lopez and Anthony in the starting lineup on Wednesday. At shootaround, Derek Fisher said he's leaning toward using the same starting five, but is still mulling it over. Stay tuned for updates closer to game time. UPDATE: Same starters.
- Speaking of Porzingis, the No. 4 overall pick admitted some nerves early on in his Knicks debut before knocking down a 26-foot three-pointer from the top of the key for his first NBA basket. The big man would add another 3-ball, showing how deadly he can be in the pick-and-pop game as he continues to develop chemistry with his new teammates.
- The second-string backcourt of Langston Galloway and D.C.-native Jerian Grant added a different dimension when they entered the game. The duo combined for 17 points and seven assists off the bench, injecting energy on both ends of the floor and pushing the pace at every opportunity. Fisher said he's still considering different lineup combinations, but added that he likes the dynamic these two provide. Galloway also pulled down eight rebounds.
- Kyle O'Quinn and former Wizard Kevin Seraphin chipped in 14 points apiece, and O'Quinn also hauled in eight boards. After one game, Fisher's training camp comment about having great front-court depth looks accurate.
- Injury news: Arron Afflalo (sore left hamstring) and Seraphin (sore right knee) are both doubtful for tonight.
- Washington returns a similar group to last year, with Paul Pierce as the most significant loss. Wiz fans are hoping third-year wing Otto Porter and rookie Kelly Oubre can fill his shoes. UPDATE: Oubre is expected to make his preseason debut tonight after tweaking an ankle in Monday's practice.
#Knicks starters tonight: @JmCalderon3, @SashaVujacic, @carmeloanthony, @kporzee, @rolopez42.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 9, 2015