How to Watch Wizards vs. Knicks Preseason on DIRECTV: Tip-Off and TV Listings
The defending champions are back at Madison Square Garden. The Washington Wizards visit the New York Knicks on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET in the Knicks' first home preseason game.
Check the guide before tip-off: ESPN currently lists NBA TV and Monumental Sports Network for this game, while the NBA's team schedule still labels the broadcast TBD. NBA TV is DIRECTV channel 216 in eligible packages. A New York-area local feed has not been confirmed for this matchup.
It's also the Wizards' preseason opener. Here's what is confirmed, how to check your DIRECTV lineup and what comes next for both teams.
Wizards vs. Knicks: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT |
| National TV | ESPN lists NBA TV; NBA.com still says TBD |
| Local TV, New York | Not confirmed for this game |
| Local TV, Washington | ESPN lists Monumental Sports Network; confirm locally |
| Arena | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Game type | NBA preseason (exhibition) |
What channel is Wizards vs. Knicks on DIRECTV?
ESPN's current game listing names NBA TV nationally. If that listing holds, tune to NBA TV on DIRECTV channel 216. NBA TV comes with CHOICE and higher, and is part of the MySports Genre Pack; it is not included in ENTERTAINMENT. See our NBA TV channel guide for package details.
The NBA's team schedule still marks this game's TV outlet as TBD. ESPN also lists Monumental Sports Network, the Wizards' local partner, but a Knicks-area local broadcast is not confirmed. Search "Wizards" or "Knicks" in your DIRECTV guide on game day, especially if you live in a home market where NBA TV may be blacked out.
Need help checking your package? Call 1-855-690-9884.
How to stream Wizards vs. Knicks
- DIRECTV app: if the game appears on NBA TV in your guide and your package includes it, try the DIRECTV app on your device.
- DIRECTV streaming: NBA TV is channel 216 with eligible CHOICE or MySports service; confirm this game's listing first.
- NBA app: if NBA TV carries the game, check the NBA app for access with an eligible TV subscription, subject to blackout rules.
Wizards vs. Knicks channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Who gets it |
|---|---|---|
| NBA TV | 216 | CHOICE and higher; MySports Genre Pack |
| New York local feed | Not confirmed | Check the guide close to tip-off |
| Monumental Sports Network | Check your local listings | Listed by ESPN; confirm Washington-area availability |
What to know before tip-off
- Champions at home: the Knicks won the 2026 NBA title, beating the San Antonio Spurs in five games, their first championship in 53 years.
- Knicks' second preseason game: New York opens its exhibition schedule at Philadelphia on Monday, October 5.
- Wizards' first look: Washington drafted AJ Dybantsa No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, and this is the team's first preseason game.
- Last season's series: the Knicks won all three meetings in 2025-26, most recently 145-113 on March 22.
- Preseason rules apply: playing time for regulars is usually limited in exhibition games, so expect deep rotations.
What's next for the Knicks and Wizards
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Pistons at Wizards (preseason) | 7 p.m. | Check local listings |
| Mon., Oct. 12 | Timberwolves at Knicks (preseason) | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
| Tue., Oct. 20 | 76ers at Knicks (Opening Night, banner night) | 7 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | Bucks at Wizards (Wizards' season opener) | 7 p.m. | Local TV; check your local listings |
NBC is your local NBC station on DIRECTV, where local channels are available. For every national game, team-by-team local channels and League Pass details, see our guide to watching the NBA on DIRECTV. The full exhibition slate is in our 2026 NBA preseason guide.
Other ways to follow the game
- Radio: the Wizards' broadcast is on 106.7 The Fan, The Team 980 and Bloomberg 99.1, and SiriusXM has national NBA radio coverage. For the Knicks' radio home, check the team's official site.
- Out of market: if the ESPN listing holds, NBA TV may be the DIRECTV option outside the teams' home areas; confirm the final guide listing.
Which DIRECTV package is best for Knicks and Wizards fans?
- CHOICE: adds NBA TV (216) and, where available, MSG or Monumental Sports Network. For most NBA fans, this is the package to start with.
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes ESPN and ESPN2 for national games, but not NBA TV.
- MySports Genre Pack: a sports-focused streaming option with NBA TV and ESPN.
Want NBA TV and your team's channel before opening night? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Wizards vs. Knicks on October 8?
Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
What channel is Wizards vs. Knicks on?
ESPN currently lists NBA TV, which is DIRECTV channel 216 with CHOICE and higher, and Monumental Sports Network locally. NBA.com still labels TV TBD, and a New York local feed is not confirmed. Check your guide before tip-off.
Is NBA TV included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
No. NBA TV starts with the CHOICE package. It's also part of the MySports Genre Pack.
When is the Knicks' banner night?
The Knicks open the regular season and celebrate their 2026 championship on Tuesday, October 20, against the 76ers at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Is Wizards vs. Knicks a regular-season game?
No. It's a preseason exhibition game. It's the Wizards' first preseason game and the Knicks' first at home.
Questions about NBA TV or your local team channel? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 7, 2026. Tip times, TV assignments and broadcast lineups are set by the NBA, its teams and their TV partners and may change. NBA TV games may be blacked out in the teams' home markets. Regional network carriage, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. NBA, NBA TV, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.