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Highlights Video :
Both teams are playing the second of back-to-back games after last night’s respective wins, while the Wizards are looking for the fourth victory in a row.
Preview
The Washington Wizards (22-19) are currently in the fifth position in the Eastern Conference, mostly thanks to their fantastic home run; they won last 13 games at the Verizon Center, including last night’s win over the Memphis Grizzlies, 104-101. John Wall led the Wizards with a double-double of 25 points and 13 assists, Otto Porter had 25 and seven boards, while Markieff Morris recorded a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds. Bradley Beal didn’t have the best night with 12 points (4-14), having the defensively superior Tony Allen on his back, but tonight, he will have the easier task against Courtney Lee and Ron Baker, so he is the player to watch in this one. Naturally, Wall’s match-up with Derrick Rose could also be mouthwatering. Except for long-term absentees, Ian Mahinmi and Danuel House, the Wizards are complete and without injury concerns.
The New York Knicks (19-24) surprised many with the last night’s 117-106 victory over the in-form Boston Celtics at TD Garden, despite playing without the injured Kristaps Porzingis. The Knicks dominated in boards after collecting 57 to Boston’s 33, while D-Rose dominated with a double-double of 30 points and ten rebounds, along with five assists and a pair of steals and blocks. Willy Hernangomez was excellent off of the bench with a double-double of 17 points and 11 boards, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas added 17 points and six rebounds. Carmelo Anthony struggled from the field (5-14) and ended the game with 13 points, but he is facing Markieff Morris tonight and should be the player to watch. Also, the pair of rookies, Hernangomez and Kuzminskas, should be monitored in the absence of Porzingis and Noah, who will miss this match, which will mean more minutes for the rookie Europeans.
Keys to the game
Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal should bounce back after a forgettable night against the Grizzlies as he’s facing a much more lenient defence, Courtney Lee, in particular. Beal is averaging 22.7 in the last two weeks, and he should score 25-plus in this match-up, against the team that allowed over 100 points to the opposition in the last three games.
New York Knicks
The similar situation is with Carmelo Anthony and his poor shooting night in Boston when he played against Jae Crowder, who pretty much shut him down. However, Melo should have a much easier job tonight, and he could lead his team in points, considering that Porzingis will not play. He is taking between 15 and 25 shots per game over last week, and that should be enough for another 25-plus performance from Anthony.
Washington Wizards projected starting lineup
PG – Wall / SG – Beal / SF – Porter / PF – Morris / C – Gortat.
While Beal and Wall will undoubtedly lead the Wizards on the scoreboard, Marcin Gortat could have a big game in the paint in Noah’s absence.
New York Knicks projected starting lineup
PG – Rose / SG – Baker / SF – Kuzminskas / PF – Anthony / C – O’Quinn.
Anthony and Rose will lead the Knicks tonight, but Kuzminskas, Hernangomez, and Jennings can contribute big time.
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