Wizards Escape MSG With 111-109 Preseason Squeaker, Under Cashes Easy

The Wizards survived a sloppy preseason thriller at Madison Square Garden, edging the Knicks 111-109 in a game that looked more like a summer league scrimmage than NBA basketball. DarkHorse's under 226.5 sailed home with plenty of cushion, finishing a comfortable 6.5 points clear as both squads spent most of the night bricking open looks and running lineups that wouldn't crack a G League rotation.

This one played out exactly as advertised. Starters logged their obligatory first-half cameos before heading to the bench in bubble wrap, leaving the heavy lifting to camp invites and third-stringers auditioning for Westchester and Capital City Go-Go assignments. The offensive execution was predictably brutal—missed rotations, forced shots, and enough turnovers to fill a bakery. Neither team cracked 112 points despite a combined 48 minutes of garbage time, which tells you everything about the shooting percentages involved.

The Knicks nearly stole it late, but Washington's depth pieces—whoever they were—made just enough plays down the stretch to escape with the W. For bettors, this was preseason handicapping 101: fade the inflated totals, trust the limited minutes, and collect when fringe NBA talent does what fringe NBA talent does. Easy money, no drama. Next.