New York Knicks coach David Fizdale has brought back the work ethic that characterised the team in the 1990s, according to NBA analyst Bruce Bowen.
The Knicks, who have been without their best player Kristaps Porzingis all season owing to an ACL injury, have struggled to a 10-33 record but Bowen has seen reasons for positivity in their play.
NBA London Live: Ways to watch
Analysing their clash with the Washington Wizards at The O2, Bowen said: "You're talking about two teams that are slightly different. Washington Wizards are still in the playoff hunt whereas the New York Knicks are rebuilding - from a standpoint of hard work.
"They have a new coach, David Fizdale, and he has brought back that work ethic. With the Knicks, back in the day when I played, you went to Madison Square Garden you felt the atmosphere and the physicality of the game.
"One thing you see with the Knicks is that every night they are playing hard. That's a testament to what David Fizdale has been able to do. It's about development of players.
"They knew they were going to have a tough year because they lost Kristaps Porzingis. You're in New York City, you can't put bad talent out there! They'll boo you off the floor!"
Fellow analyst and former NBA star John Amaechi agreed with Bowen's assessment and said: "The Knicks are not going to get those big wins but that doesn't mean you're not going to see progress."
Amaechi believes the regular-season clash at The O2 will be an important event for both teams and for British NBA fans too. "This is an amazing opportunity, it is every year, for people to really see top-quality basketball," he said.
"These two teams are not at the top of their game but they will be here to compete. This is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills to the world. It's going to be an exciting game and [the arena] is going to be packed."
The Wizards have their share of injury problems too. Their franchise star, point guard John Wall, is out for the season after having surgery on a heel injury. Amaechi has been impressed with the way Washington have reacted to the loss of their star.
"When you lose key players, you respond in one or two different ways," he said. "Washington lost John Wall but they've come out and beaten teams that are supposed to be soaring to the playoffs."
Bowen is equally impressed with the Wizards response to the loss of Wall and hailed the recent performances of Bradley Beal, noting the development of the shooting guard's all-round game.
"You must pay attention to Bradley Beal," he said. "He has taken his game from being a two-guard, a jump shooter to now being a facilitator and someone who can create late in the game. He had a triple-double in his last game. He's doing it by getting to the basket, shooting the three-ball but most importantly helping others to be better."
Bowen backs Beal and his team-mates to shine at The O2: "You have to be able to come out and put on a great show. I think you're going to see that on Thursday night."