Both the Knicks and the Wizards are on a high after recent victories over the Pacers and the Bulls, respectively, but the Knicks have won four of their last five games.
Bradley Beal OUT and Daniel Gafford QUESTIONABLE for Knicks – Wizards
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- THE KNICKS
The New York Knicks have been on a tear lately, winning four of their last five contests. In their most recent game, the Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers by a score of 119-113. In game two, they’ll look to build on that win and beat the Wizards for the first time in the series.
The Knicks defeated the Pacers by scoring 45.2% of their points in the paint, 35.7% from deep, 84.8% from the free throw line, 14 points off turnovers, and 6 fast break points.
There were also 15 turnovers, but they made up for it with 50 boards, 21 assists, 9 steals, and 4 blocks.
The Knicks allowed the Pacers to score 54 points in the paint and make 47.8 percent of their field goal attempts and 30.8 percent of their three-point attempts.
R.J. Barrett is scheduled to participate in this match in some capacity.
Julius Randle, who averages 24.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, is the Knicks’ go-to guy.
Jalen Brunson is second on the team in scoring (21.9 ppg) and assists (6.4 apg), respectively.
In addition to his 7.5 points and 1.7 blocks per game, Mitchell Robinson is a valuable asset on the glass, grabbing nine rebounds per contest.
Injury Report
As far as we are aware, there are no injuries on the Knicks’ roster.
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- THE WIZARDS
With only two victories in their last five games, the Washington Wizards are seriously lacking momentum.
They had been in the midst of a three-game losing streak before beating the Chicago Bulls 100-97 on Wednesday. The Wizards had a 54-11 advantage in points in the paint, an 11-9 advantage in points off turnovers, and a 12-7 advantage in fast break points over the Bulls.
They were successful at 46.3% from the field and 30.4% from long range. Despite their 52 rebounds, 21 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks, they turned the ball over 18 times.
When the Bulls shot 46.6% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc, the Wizards’ defense allowed 50 points in the paint, 4 fast break points, and 19 points off turnovers.
Kristaps Porzingis averages 22 points and 9 rebounds per game to lead Washington.
Injured after not playing against the Bulls, his status is now day-to-day. Bradley Beal is out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury.
Corey Kispert and Rui Hachimura will be asked to step up in the event of an injury.
Injury Report
- Bradley Beal (Hamstring): Expected to be out until at least Jan 16
- Daniel Gafford (Ankle): Game Time Decisio
- Monte Morris (Hamstring): Game Time Decision
- Vernon Carey Jr. (Quadriceps): Game Time Decision
- Johnny Davis (Hip): Game Time Decision
- Kristaps Porzingis (Ribs): Game Time Decision
