The New York Knicks are going global next season as they are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards in London.
The NBA and Adam Silver are always looking to expand the game’s global reach. The push to grow the game continues next year with the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards set to square off in London on Jan. 17 according to a report from ESPN’s Ian Begley.
The Knicks are scheduled to play a game in London against the Wizards on Jan. 17, a league source confirmed.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 20, 2018
This will be the ninth regular season NBA game played in London and will follow up last year’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. This is familiar territory for the Knicks who have played across the pond twice, but this will be the first time the Wizards will suit up in London.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis will be healthy enough to play in the London game. He is the most recognizable star on either team, but this game will feature some lesser known international talent.
Frank Ntilikina of France and Emmanuel Mudiay of the Congo will man the backcourt for New York. The Turkish big man Enes Kanter could be suiting up for the Knicks as well, but that depends on what happens with his contract situation.
Barring any potential trades, Ian Mahinmi of France, Marcin Gortat of Poland, and Tomas Satoransky of the Czech Republic will take the floor in London for the Wizards.
The NBA continues to extend the global reach. This is evident from the league’s dedication to playing games overseas and next year, the Knicks will be center stage for the NBA. That could be a good thing or a bad thing. That all depends on how optimistic you are as a Knicks fan.
