WASHINGTON — It’s been 179 days since the Wizards last played a game — and 196 since they last won. A lot has changed since then.
Trae Young is fully healthy after an injury-filled 2025-26. Anthony Davis, contract negotiations in the rearview, is bought into Washington’s plans as he readies for his first contest since early January. Khris Middleton is back, and Deandre Ayton was acquired to serve as Alex Sarr’s backup.
Oh, and the Wizards drafted this guy named AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick.
This isn’t the same Wizards. In fact, the roster is completely different — both in talent and incentive to win.
Here are four things I’m watching for as Washington opens the preseason against the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
1. Who starts?
Kyshawn George said it best when he told 7News DC that who closes games is more important than who starts. Brian Keefe has reiterated that sentiment despite my several attempts to uncover any information about his starting five or rotation.
