Depending on tonight’s result against Houston, your emotions about the Knicks will fall somewhere between “We’re back!” and “Bring me the cyanide.” Hoping for the best, champs. After tonight, our heroes will begin an Eastern Conference-themed road trip. Get yourself a couple of cold cold ones, microwave some brats, and clog our arteries with a bowl of melted cheese, we’re heading to Milwaukee!
Sunday, February 22 – Knicks at Bulls, 8:00 PM ET (MSG)
But first, Chicago. Tomorrow night, the Knicks will face the Bulls for the third time this season. They’ve split the first two games: a 135-125 loss at the United Center on October 31, followed by a 128-116 victory at home on November 2.
The Bulls are on a streak of seven losses (likely to be eight after tonight’s game versus Detroit). Both Chicago and New York will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, with the Knicks flying in from NYC. Fatigue could play a factor, but a dominant team with championship aspirations should mop the floor with these calves, who rank in the bottom tier for offense and defense.
Watch this one on MSG.
Tuesday, February 24 – Knicks at Cavaliers, 7:30 PM ET (MSG, Peacock)
Next up, a short hop over to Cleveland on Tuesday. This will be the third contest between the Knicks and the Cavs. The good guys swept the first two home games: a 119-111 win on opening night, October 22, and a 126-124 Christmas Day thriller on December 25.
As of this writing, the Ohio Players sit in third place thanks to a seven-game win streak and winning 13 of their last 15. The pairing of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell seems to be paying off. Kenny Atkinson’s crew rates fifth for offense and is heading into the top-ten for defense . . . damn it all. This tilt is a potential playoff preview and easily the toughest test of the week.
Watch it on MSG.
Friday, February 27 – Knicks at Bucks, 8:00 PM ET (MSG)
Raise the sails as we voyage to the seas of cheese, Claypoolers! Will these creamy waters be choppy, cap’n? Aye, could be! As of this writing, the Giannis-less Bucks have won six of their last 10, including a 17-point win over the Thunder.
This marks New York’s third clash with the Bucks of the season. Thus far, they’ve split the series: a 111-121 road loss on October 28 and a 118-109 home win on November 28. The Deer are inconsistent, but so are the Knicks. Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter, Jr. can get buckets if not handled properly, and look for OAKAAKUYOAK Jericho Sims in the starting line-up. You’ll pardon some queasy feelings about this one.
Watch it on MSG.
Go Knicks.