The Washington Wizards and New York Knicks are set to face off at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM ET. This matchup features two teams on opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings, with the Knicks aiming to solidify their playoff position and the Wizards looking to end a challenging season on a positive note.
Team Overview
Washington Wizards (15-54)
- Current Form: The Wizards are enduring a tough stretch, having lost three consecutive games, including a 120-105 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Friday. Washington has struggled all season and currently holds the league’s worst record. However, rookie Alexandre Sarr has been a bright spot, showcasing his potential with consistent performances.
- Road Record: Washington has a 7-27 record on the road, reflecting their struggles away from home.
- Key Players:
- Jordan Poole: Leads the team with 20.4 points per game, providing scoring consistency despite the team’s struggles.
- Alexandre Sarr: The 19-year-old rookie has been impressive, averaging 17.8 points and 7.5 rebounds over his last 10 games. Sarr recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds against Orlando.
- Bilal Coulibaly: Adds versatility with 12.3 points and 3.4 assists per game, contributing on both ends of the floor.
- Injury Concerns: The Wizards are relatively healthy but lack the depth and experience to compete with stronger teams.
New York Knicks (43-26)
- Current Form: The Knicks are coming off a disappointing 115-98 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, marking their second consecutive defeat. Despite the recent slump, New York remains third in the Eastern Conference standings and is well-positioned for the playoffs. The absence of Jalen Brunson due to a sprained ankle has impacted their offensive rhythm.
- Home Record: New York has been strong at home, boasting a 24-10 record at Madison Square Garden.
- Key Players:
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Leads the team with 24.4 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, providing a dominant presence in the paint.
- OG Anunoby: Averaging 20.1 points and 5.9 rebounds over his last 10 games, Anunoby has been a consistent two-way contributor.
- Mikal Bridges: Adds scoring depth with 16 points and 6 assists in the loss to Charlotte.
- Injury Concerns:
- Jalen Brunson (ankle) remains out but is expected to return before the end of the regular season.
Head-to-Head Matchup
- Season Series: The Knicks lead the season series 3-0, with victories by margins of 4, 20, and 28 points. New York has dominated Washington in recent years, winning eight straight games against the Wizards dating back to February 2023.
- Key Stats:
- Washington averages 110.9 points per game but allows 119.5 points per game, highlighting their defensive struggles.
- New York averages 116.3 points per game while conceding 108.8 points per game, showcasing their balanced approach.
- The Wizards rank ninth in the league in fast-break points per game (16.6), while the Knicks excel in rebounding, averaging 43.7 boards per game.
Projected Starting Lineups
Washington Wizards:
- Guard: Jordan Poole
- Guard: Bilal Coulibaly
- Forward: Corey Kispert
- Forward: Alexandre Sarr
- Center: Daniel Gafford
New York Knicks:
- Guard: Immanuel Quickley
- Guard: Quentin Grimes
- Forward: OG Anunoby
- Forward: Karl-Anthony Towns
- Center: Mitchell Robinson
Storylines to Watch
- Alexandre Sarr’s Development: The rookie has been a bright spot for the Wizards, and his matchup against Karl-Anthony Towns will be a key storyline.
- Knicks Without Brunson: New York has struggled offensively in Brunson’s absence, failing to reach 100 points in four of their last seven games. Can they find their rhythm against Washington’s porous defense?
- Dominance on the Boards: The Knicks’ rebounding advantage, led by Towns and Mitchell Robinson, could be a decisive factor against a Wizards team that struggles in the paint.
- Playoff Implications: The Knicks are looking to maintain their position in the top three of the Eastern Conference, while the Wizards are playing for pride and development.
