Wizards Edge Knicks in Close Matchup at Madison Square Garden
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Madison Square Garden
Washington Wizards 111, New York Knicks 109, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks?
Washington Wizards beat New York Knicks 111-109 at Madison Square Garden on October 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Wizards vs New York Knicks?
New York Knicks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -230 (about 70% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden, the Washington Wizards narrowly defeated the New York Knicks with a final score of 111-109. This victory marks the Wizards' second consecutive win against the Knicks this season, extending their dominance in the head-to-head matchup to 3-0.
The Knicks entered the game with a home record of 0-2 and were looking to shake off a two-game losing streak. Their recent form has been mixed, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, averaging 108.8 points scored while allowing 108.7. In contrast, the Wizards came into the game with a 1-0 record for the season, but they have struggled overall, holding a dismal record of 0-10 in their last ten games, averaging 113.7 points scored and allowing a staggering 131.8 points.
The Knicks have performed better at home than on the road, boasting a home record of 3-1 in their last four home games. However, their recent losses at home against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets highlighted their struggles to secure victories. The Wizards, meanwhile, have yet to win on the road this season, holding an away record of 0-6.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks faced several day-to-day decisions, including Kevin McCullar Jr., Tony Bradley, Ochai Agbaji, and Drew Eubanks, all of whom were listed as day-to-day due to coach's decisions. The Wizards also dealt with injury concerns, including Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton, who were both day-to-day, and Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins, who were ruled out.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Knicks favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 227.5. The odds reflected the Knicks' home advantage, but the Wizards' performance proved that the game would be closely contested.
The match conditions at Madison Square Garden were typical for an indoor NBA game, allowing both teams to focus on their offensive and defensive strategies without the influence of weather factors.
As the game unfolded, the fourth quarter proved to be pivotal. The Wizards, trailing for much of the game, made a late surge with key contributions from Pacome Dadiet, who hit a crucial three-pointer, and Tre Mann, who added a significant three-pointer to extend the Wizards' lead. The Knicks attempted to rally back with a series of scoring plays, including a driving layup from Jaden Akins and a running layup from Bruce Brown, but ultimately fell short.
The Wizards' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the final minutes of the game was critical to their success. The Knicks, despite their efforts, could not convert enough possessions into points to secure the win, highlighting their ongoing challenges in closing out games.
This matchup not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for their upcoming series, with the next meeting scheduled for December 18. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how both teams adjust and respond in their future encounters.
What we said beforehand
The New York Knicks will face off against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on October 8, 2026, marking the start of the NBA season for the Wizards, while the Knicks look to bounce back from a recent loss. The Knicks enter this game with a home record of 0-1, while the Wizards will be looking to begin their season on a positive note. The Knicks have a recent record of 5-5 over their last ten games, but they are currently on a two-game losing streak, having lost their last match against the Philadelphia 76ers with a score of 120-97. In contrast, the Wizards are coming off a ten-game losing streak, having lost all their last five games, including a 130-117 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In terms of scoring, the Knicks have averaged 108.8 points scored and 108.7 points allowed in their last ten games, while the Wizards have struggled significantly, averaging 113.7 points scored but allowing 131.8 points over the same span. This stark contrast in scoring efficiency could play a crucial role in the matchup.
When looking at home and away performances, the Knicks have a home record of 3-1 in their last four home games, while the Wizards have yet to secure a win on the road, holding an 0-4 record in their last four away games. The Knicks have shown a slight edge in home performance, which could be pivotal in this matchup.
Historically, the Knicks have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Wizards, winning all three encounters this season. The last matchup on March 22, 2026, saw the Knicks dominate the Wizards with a score of 145-113. Other meetings this season also favored the Knicks, with victories of 132-101 and 119-102.
In terms of injuries, the Knicks have several players listed as day-to-day, including Kevin McCullar Jr., Tony Bradley, Ochai Agbaji, Drew Eubanks, and Jose Alvarado, who is dealing with a knee issue. The Wizards also have key players on the injury report, with Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton both listed as day-to-day, while Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins are out due to injuries.
The betting market reflects the Knicks as 6.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 227.5 points. The moneyline shows the Knicks at -230 and the Wizards at +190. This indicates a strong belief in the Knicks' ability to secure a victory at home.
As the game approaches, viewers should watch for the Knicks' ability to leverage their home court advantage and how they respond after their recent defeat. The Wizards will be looking to break their losing streak and make a statement in their season opener. With both teams having key players on the injury report, the final lineups could significantly impact the outcome.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NY -6.5 | 227.5 o -110 / u -110 | Washington Wizards +190 · New York Knicks -230 |
Injury report
- Kevin McCullar Jr.Day-To-DayCoach's DecisionNew York Knicks
- Tony BradleyDay-To-DayCoach's DecisionNew York Knicks
- Ochai AgbajiDay-To-DayCoach's DecisionNew York Knicks
- Drew EubanksDay-To-DayCoach's DecisionNew York Knicks
- Alex SarrDay-To-DayFootWashington Wizards
- Khris MiddletonDay-To-DayRestWashington Wizards
- Tristan VukcevicOutHipWashington Wizards
- Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards
Leaders
- PointsJosh Hart13New York Knicks
- AssistsAndre Drummond4New York Knicks
- ReboundsAndre Drummond9New York Knicks
- PointsAnthony Davis16Washington Wizards
- AssistsKyshawn George5Washington Wizards
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton10Washington Wizards
Recent form
New York Knicks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L2108.8 scored · 108.7 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L97-120at Philadelphia 76ersOct 5
- L96-110vs Charlotte HornetsApr 12
- W112-95vs Toronto RaptorsApr 10
- W112-106vs Boston CelticsApr 9
- W108-105at Atlanta HawksApr 6
- W136-96vs Chicago BullsApr 3
- W130-119at Memphis GrizzliesApr 2
- L94-111at Houston RocketsApr 1
- L100-111at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 29
- L103-114at Charlotte HornetsMar 26
Washington Wizards
Last 10: 0-10Streak L10113.7 scored · 131.8 allowed per game0-6 away
- L117-130at Cleveland CavaliersApr 12
- L117-140vs Miami HeatApr 10
- L108-119vs Chicago BullsApr 9
- L98-129vs Chicago BullsApr 7
- L115-121at Brooklyn NetsApr 5
- L136-152at Miami HeatApr 4
- L131-153vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 1
- L101-120at Los Angeles LakersMar 31
- L88-123at Portland Trail BlazersMar 29
- L126-131at Golden State WarriorsMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Washington | 0.5 | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Orlando | 0.5 | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Atlanta | 1 | 1 | W1 | .500 | 1 |
| Charlotte | 1.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Brooklyn | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Boston | 0.5 | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Philadelphia | 1 | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Toronto | 1.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| New York | 2 | 2 | L2 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Washington Wizards | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-86 | 40-95 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 13-33 | 11-38 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 29 |
| Free throws | 18-27 | 18-23 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 53 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 38 | 30 |
| Assists | 22 | 28 |
| Steals | 11 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 52 |
| Fouls | 21 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 36 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-77Felix Okpara makes dunk
- 3rd Quarter69-79Andre Drummond makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter72-79Bub Carrington makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot (Tre Mann assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-82Landry Shamet makes 22-foot three point jumper (Andre Drummond assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-82Felix Okpara makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter77-82Bub Carrington makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter77-84Andre Drummond makes tip in dunk
- 3rd Quarter78-84Bub Carrington makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter79-84Bub Carrington makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter81-84Anthony Gill makes 1-foot layup (Bub Carrington assists)
- 4th Quarter81-86Pacome Dadiet makes running dunk (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter82-86Justin Champagnie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-86Justin Champagnie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-86Bub Carrington makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter85-86Anthony Gill makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-88Jordan Clarkson makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot (Tyler Kolek assists)
- 4th Quarter87-88Tre Mann makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter89-88Justin Champagnie makes layup
- 4th Quarter89-89Andre Drummond makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-90Andre Drummond makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-90Will Riley makes 2-foot two point shot (Felix Okpara assists)
- 4th Quarter92-90Felix Okpara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-92James Wiseman makes layup (Jose Alvarado assists)
- 4th Quarter94-92Bub Carrington makes 19-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter95-92Justin Champagnie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-94Bruce Brown makes 3-foot two point shot (Mohamed Diawara assists)
- 4th Quarter97-94Felix Okpara makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Will Riley assists)
- 4th Quarter98-94Justin Champagnie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-94Justin Champagnie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-96James Wiseman makes 1-foot dunk (Mohamed Diawara assists)
- 4th Quarter102-96Chris Livingston makes 22-foot three point jumper (Tre Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter103-96Tre Mann makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-99Pacome Dadiet makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter105-99Chris Livingston makes driving layup (Tre Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter108-99Justin Champagnie makes 27-foot running jump shot (Tre Mann assists)
- 4th Quarter108-102Jaden Akins makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyler Nickel assists)
- 4th Quarter111-102Tre Mann makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter111-104Jaden Akins makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter111-106Bruce Brown makes running layup (Tyler Nickel assists)
- 4th Quarter111-109Tyler Nickel makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaden Akins assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours New York Knicks, below favours Washington Wizards.
Venue
- Madison Square GardenNew York, NY
- Attendance17960
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Pat O'Connell, Nate Cearley, Marc Davis, Ray Acosta, Suyash Mehta
Elsewhere
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat: Game Highlights
- Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game Highlights
- Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe make 'Abbott Elementary' cameos
- Sources: 76ers plan to play starters in preseason game vs. Nets
- Fantasy basketball: Category league draft tiers
- NBA preseason buzz: Latest on trades, news and intel