It's time for the New York Knicks’ final preseason game, and this one could feel as close to the real thing as it can get.
The Knicks will matchup with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday before their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers next week. Being that it’s the last preseason game, head coach Mike Brown insinuates that this game could simulate regular season action.
“I'd like to try and get guys that are playing as close to the overall minutes that they're going to get during the regular season and possibly finish out the game as best I can,” Brown said.
The Knicks have spent much of the preseason finding minutes for players that are on the cusp of making the roster such as Landry Shamet, Garrison Mathews, and Malcolm Brogdon prior to his sudden retirement.
Brown held to a high standard in year one
Brown is under immense pressure to perform in year one of his Knicks tenure. Last season, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 with Tom Thibodeau at the helm. Now in 2026, Brown will be tasked with leading the charge as the Knicks look to snap a 52-year title drought.
New York has a good chance to do so, as they enter this season with one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. With the team firmly in its title window, they are looking to take advantage of a weakened Eastern Conference in 2026.