The Washington Wizards open their preseason slate against the New York Knicks looking to build positive momentum after a tough end to the 2025-26 campaign. The team concluded last season with a 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 12, part of a five-game skid. This exhibition game provides a fresh start for a young roster aiming to compete in the Eastern Conference. Here are three things the Wizards must do to secure a win.
Washington averaged just 21.2 free throws per game last season, ranking fifth-worst in the NBA. They took a high volume of shots but settled for too many jumpers. Getting to the line more often will be vital. Newcomers like Trae Young and Anthony Davis should command more respect from officials. Young's ability to draw fouls is well-documented. Young players like Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, and AJ Dybantsa must also attack the rim without fear. Embracing contact on drives can generate easy points and disrupt the opponent's defensive rhythm.
Protecting the paint with Davis and Deandre Ayton is a strength, but the perimeter is a different story. Limiting driving lanes for the Knicks' guards is a must for a Wizards victory. Coulibaly is the team's top perimeter defender, and George is solid. Justin Champagnie also provides good effort on the wing. The issue lies with the guard rotation. Tre Johnson has room to grow defensively, and Trae Young's size will always present challenges on that end. Rookie AJ Dybantsa, who wasn't known for defense in college, must prove he can hold his own. A sturdy perimeter defense is the foundation for winning not only this game, but many throughout the season.
This Wizards team is young and athletic, a contrast to a Knicks squad built around veterans like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Washington should use that to dictate pace. Every fastbreak opportunity needs to be exploited with players sprinting the floor. Constant offensive movement will wear down the Knicks' defense over four quarters. That effort can lead to easy baskets and sap New York's energy for their own offensive sets. Playing fast is good, but playing with control is better. The young Wizards must know when to push the tempo and when to set up their half-court offense. A chaotic, uncontrolled pace leads to turnovers and poor shots. Managing the game's speed will be a key test for this group.
Preseason is the time to address these issues. Focusing on earning free throws, tightening up on the perimeter, and playing a smart, athletic brand of basketball gives Washington a clear path to a positive result against the Knicks.
