The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden tonight after a successful preseason trip to Abu Dhabi, where they secured two victories against the Philadelphia 76ers. The team now prepares to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first home appearance of the exhibition schedule. This matchup carries added significance as it marks Karl-Anthony Towns facing his former team for the first time since the blockbuster trade that brought him to New York around one year ago.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown will be coaching his first game at the iconic venue, describing the opportunity as giving him “goose bumps.” The game also represents a reunion for former Knicks forward Julius Randle, who was part of the package sent to Minnesota in the Towns trade. The Timberwolves are coming off a 135-134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers and bring a 1-1 preseason record into tonight’s contest.

Are Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony Towns playing tonight against the Timberwolves?

Yes, both Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are expected to play in tonight’s preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Neither player appears on the official injury report, indicating they are fully available for action. Brunson has been actively participating in all team activities and scored 14 points in the Knicks’ most recent preseason victory in Abu Dhabi.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been adapting to Coach Brown’s new offensive system, which requires him to learn all five positions on the court. Towns described this responsibility as “a job, but I’m blessed that he’s trusted me with it.” The center has played 34 total minutes across the first two preseason games, attempting only two three-pointers while scoring 17 points on eight total shots from the field.

Coach Brown has indicated he plans to increase playing time for his starters compared to the limited minutes they received during the international games. Both stars are expected to see extended action as the team continues building chemistry ahead of the regular season.

New York Knicks injury report and roster updates for the upcoming game

The Knicks will likely be without forward Josh Hart for tonight’s matchup due to a combination of health issues. Hart missed Wednesday’s practice with an illness, and coach Mike Brown stated he doesn’t know if the veteran will be available against Minnesota. This comes after Hart previously suffered lower back spasms during the preseason opener in Abu Dhabi, which caused him to miss the second game against Philadelphia.

Hart is also managing a separate issue with his right ring finger that requires him to wear a splint throughout the entire season. His absence could create additional opportunities for Miles McBride, who scored 12 points off the bench in the first preseason game. Mitchell Robinson, who started both games in Abu Dhabi, is expected to be available after being cleared for full participation in recent practices.

The Knicks’ roster features several new additions who provide depth, including Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, and Malcolm Brogdon. Coach Brown has been implementing competitive practice drills, including a free-throw challenge where the coaching staff had to run laps after losing a bet to Jalen Brunson. The team continues to drill the core actions of Brown’s new offensive system, with Bridges noting the plays are becoming “second nature” through repetition.

Where to watch Knicks vs Timberwolves- offline and online

The Knicks versus the Timberwolves preseason game tips off at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, October 9, from Madison Square Garden in New York City. For local viewers in the New York area, the game will be broadcast on MSG Network, the team’s primary regional sports channel. The broadcast coverage extends throughout New York State, Connecticut, north and central New Jersey, and northeastern Pennsylvania.

National viewers can watch the game on NBA TV, which is available through most cable and satellite providers. Streaming options include DIRECTV STREAM, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Fubo, all of which carry NBA TV in their channel lineups. The game will also be available through NBA League Pass for viewers located outside the local broadcast markets.

Fans preferring audio coverage can listen to the Timberwolves’ broadcast perspective on KFAN FM, through the official Wolves mobile app, or via iHeart Radio. With doors at Madison Square Garden open at 6:30 PM ET ahead of the tipoff.