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Knicks Get An Early Look At Their Opening Night Foe

Monday's trip to Philly doubles as a preview of the October 20 opener, with centers and money still unresolved.

0-0Knicks' record entering the week
By the Knicks Nightly Desk · Monday, October 5

The Knicks open their four-game preseason week on the road in Philadelphia, then play two of the next three at home before a trip to Toronto. The 76ers they face Monday are the same team that reopens Madison Square Garden for real on October 20, so whatever Mike Brown sees this week carries straight into opening night.

0-0: Knicks' record entering the week

First Trip Out

The Knicks open the preseason slate Monday at Philadelphia on NBA TV, the only true road game on this week's four-game docket. They're coming in rested, with no games in the previous seven days and no back-to-back to worry about — just one road stop before three days off and a swing back to the Garden.

A Preview, Really

This one carries more weight than a normal exhibition. Philadelphia is also the team that opens the regular season at the Garden on October 20 (NBC/Peacock), which makes Monday's look at Nick Nurse's group — 45-37 last season — a first draft of opening night.

Light On Both Benches

Neither side is close to full strength. Philadelphia is sitting Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Anfernee Simons and LeBron James, all getting the night off for rest. For New York, Drew Eubanks has been out since September 28 with a left thumb injury, with a return eyed for Monday itself.

Center Spot Still Open

The clearest job on the line this week belongs to the centers. Stefan Bondy reported that Andre Drummond, Tony Bradley and James Wiseman are all still in the mix behind Towns, and these four preseason games are where Mike Brown starts sorting that out.

The Bigger Fight

That competition will share headlines with a contract one. Hoops Rumors' James L. Edwards reported that Towns is frustrated with how contract talks have gone, and that storyline isn't going anywhere during a week built around evaluation, not standings.

When do the Knicks play the 76ers again?

They open the regular season against Philadelphia at Madison Square Garden on October 20, broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Is Joel Embiid playing against the Knicks on Monday?

No. Embiid is one of several Philadelphia veterans, along with Tyrese Maxey, Anfernee Simons and LeBron James, getting the night off for rest.

By the Knicks Nightly Desk, written from the club's data and the reports on file, with every name and number checked against them. How the desks work.

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