Posts

Posted on

Fantasy Basketball Week 20 Waiver Wire: It's Stephon Castle time in San Antonio

For managers competing in Yahoo! public leagues or under Yahoo! default settings, Week 20 marks the beginning of the fantasy playoffs. Others may be in leagues where the postseason is already in full swing, but the need to find low-rostered contributors is the same. With more players either being ruled out for the rest of the season or held out for "injury management" reasons, there are opportunities for players who weren't on the fantasy radar to begin the season to shine and provide tangible value. And there may be a "league-winner" sitting on some waiver wires as you read this column. Let's look at some of the top pickups for Week 20 in Yahoo! leagues.

Priority Adds

1. Stephon Castle

2. Naji Marshall

3. Tari Eason

4. Quentin Grimes

5. Miles McBride

6. Kyshawn George

7. Caris LeVert

8. Tre Jones

9. Adem Bona

10. Justin Champagnie

SG/SF Quentin Grimes (55%), Philadelphia 76ers

While no decision has been made regarding Paul George's availability for the rest of the season, the fact that he's meeting with doctors regarding his groin and knee injuries may be a sign that he could be shut down. And with Philadelphia trending toward missing the postseason, there's no need for him to be out there. Grimes has been an offensive focal point, and that should remain the case for the foreseeable future. The only question is what happens if he plays so well that the 76ers risk not improving their odds of holding onto their first-round pick. It is top-6 protected; Oklahoma City receives the pick otherwise.

SG/SF/PF Naji Marshall (54%), Dallas Mavericks

While his rostered percentage has surpassed 50 percent, Marshall may still be undervalued in standard leagues. Over the past week, he has averaged 25.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 three-pointers per game, shooting 50 percent from the field and 86.4 percent from the foul line. With the Mavericks still without multiple key players, Marshall has shouldered more of the offensive workload, and fantasy managers have benefitted. While Dallas' Week 20 schedule is terrible, as they only play two games, withholding a transaction to add Marshall before Wednesday's game against the Pacers would be wise.

SF/PF Tari Eason (48%), Houston Rockets

The Rockets have a good schedule for Week 20, playing four games without a back-to-back. That should ensure Eason's availability for all four, which would be excellent news for fantasy managers. Over the past two weeks, he has accounted for 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.8 three-pointers per game. And with Amen Thompson (ankle) out, Eason has remained in the Rockets' starting lineup, raising his fantasy ceiling.

PG/SG Stephon Castle (48%), San Antonio Spurs

It was reported that De'Aaron Fox will undergo season-ending finger surgery on Tuesday, so the Spurs will have a spot to fill in their starting lineup. Castle, who started alongside Chris Paul from early January until Fox was acquired from the Kings, should resume those responsiblities. And over the past two weeks, Castle has averaged 20.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.7 three-pointers per game. While the category league value hasn't been great during this stretch, the rookie guard has been a better option for points leagues. And Fox's injury could allow Castle to strengthen his Rookie of the Year case.

SG/SF Caris LeVert (34%), Atlanta Hawks

LeVert continues to provide reliable fantasy value off the bench, as he has been a fourth-round player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks. He has averaged 19.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.7 three-pointers per game, shooting 55.3 percent from the field and 80 percent from the foul line. With Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye being starters, reserves like LeVert and Georges Niang have added importance for the Hawks as they close in on a play-in spot.

SG/SF Kyshawn George (28%), Washington Wizards

The Wizards have ruled out Bilal Coulibaly, who suffered a hamstring injury during the team's loss to the Raptors on March 10. While that doesn't change George's place in the rotation, as he was already starting, he becomes a more important player on both ends of the floor. The shooting (38.9 percent over the past two weeks) remains an issue, but the defensive production (5.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game) makes it a little easier for category leagues to absorb that blow. What also helps is the Wizards playing four games during Week 20.

PG/SG Miles McBride (27%), New York Knicks

The Knicks have a four-game Week 20, and with Jalen Brunson still recovering from his sprained ankle, McBride has added value. Deuce has averaged 13.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.3 steals, 0.7 blocks and 3.0 three-pointers in three starts. The percentages (36.1 from the field and 57.1 from the foul line) haven't been good, but McBride has recorded solid assists, steals and three-point numbers as Brunson's replacement in the lineup. Also, three of New York's four Week 20 games (San Antonio, Charlotte and Washington) are against teams unlikely to reach the postseason.

PG Tre Jones (18%), Chicago Bulls

With Lonzo Ball sidelined by a sprained wrist and Josh Giddey dealing with a sprained ankle, Jones has started Chicago's last five games. During this stretch, he has averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks and 0.8 three-pointers, shooting 50 percent from the field and 76.9 from the foul line. The Bulls have won four straight and appear headed for the play-in tournament, holding a five-game lead on Toronto for the final spot.

SG/SF Ziaire Williams (17%), Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have lost nine of their last 10 games, appearing to be headed for the draft lottery after being more competitive than anticipated earlier this season. Williams has been a fixture in the starting lineup since late January, with Brooklyn's March 6 loss to the Warriors being the lone exception. While the fantasy value hasn't been great recently, with Ziaire only being a top 150 player in nine-cat formats over the past two weeks, he would benefit if the Nets were to shut down more established perimeter players like Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson and D'Angelo Russell. The Nets only play three games during Week 20, but playing starters' minutes makes Williams worth a look in deep leagues.

C Adem Bona (12%), Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid is done for the season, while Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond have dealt with injuries recently. And with the team likely wanting to do all it can to improve its draft lottery odds, there's no reason for Bona not to play more minutes as the regular season approaches its conclusion. Over the past week, the rookie has averaged 13.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.7 blocks per game, shooting 68 percent from the field and 83.3 percent from the foul line. And with the 76ers playing four games during weeks 20 and 21, Bona is a player worth adding for those needing rebounds and defensive stats.

SG/SF Justin Champagnie (5%), Washington Wizards

As mentioned in the George section, the Wizards will be without Bilal Coulibaly for the rest of the season. Champagnie has started Washington's last two games, most recently accounting for 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, three steals and three three-pointers in 33 minutes in a March 13 win over the Pistons. He should not be at risk of a late-season shutdown, especially with Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart being more likely candidates.

Posted on

Former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom handed two-year jail sentence in France

  • Former Narbonne president has faced financial charges
  • Elsom not in court and his whereabouts remain unknown

The former Australia rugby union captain Rocky Elsom was sentenced to two years in prison by a French court on Friday, for misusing corporate assets during his time as the club president of Narbonne.

Elsom was also fined €100,000 (A$109,000) with half of that sum suspended. The 42-year-old did not appear in court; his whereabouts are currently unknown and a French arrest warrant has been issued against him.

Having taken charge of the southern French club Narbonne from 2015-16, Elsom went on trial for embezzling club funds by making unjustified expenditures to pay a coach or a general manager who was living in Australia at the time.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Mavericks vs. Rockets Predictions: Odds, , recent stats, trends, best bets for March 14

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets Preview 

The Dallas Mavericks (33-34) and Houston Rockets (41-25) are all set to square off from Toyota Center in Houston.

Life without Luca Doncic has not been great for the Mavericks. They are 2-8 in their last 10 and are rapidly falling out of playoff contention.

Consider this season done for the Mavs. They lost Doncic in a trade, Anthony Davis has been out for a while, and now Kyrie Irving is out for the rest of the season.

The Mavericks are currently 14-19 on the road with a point differential of 0, while the Rockets have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Mavericks vs. Rockets live today

  • Date: Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Time: 8:00PM EST
  • Site: Toyota Center
  • City: Houston, TX

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.

Game odds for Mavericks vs. Rockets

The latest odds as of Friday:

  • Odds: Mavericks (+438), Rockets (-595)
  • Spread:  Rockets -11.5
  • Over/Under: 224 points

That gives the Mavericks an implied team point total of 110.93, and the Rockets 116.92.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Friday's Mavericks vs. Rockets game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on the Rockets -12.5…

Thomas: “The Rockets are a great defensive team and playing at home. The Mavericks are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven games.”

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Mavericks & Rockets game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dallas Mavericks on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dallas Mavericks at +11.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Game Total of 224.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Mavericks vs. Rockets on Friday

  • The Rockets are on a 4-game win streak
  • The Mavericks' last 3 versus the Rockets have stayed under the Total
  • The Rockets have covered the Spread in 4 of their last 5 games as a favorite

Betting the Mavericks on the Money Line in all their road games this season is showing a 110% return on investment
 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

Posted on

Vegas Golden Knights sign goalie Adin Hill to a 6-year, $37.5 million contract extension

LAS VEGAS — The Vegas Golden Knights have signed goaltender Adin Hill to a six-year contract extension worth $37.5 million, rewarding him for backstopping them to the Stanley Cup in 2023 and excelling in the starting job since.

Hill will count $6.25 million against the salary cap from when the deal kicks in next NHL season through 2031. General manager Kelly McCrimmon announced the extension.

This season at age 28, Hill has played in a career high 53 games and has a 2.53 goals-against average and .906 save percentage to help Vegas vault to the top of the Pacific Division. That included a 27-save shutout at Columbus.

Hill was a journeyman on his third organization with no playoff experience when he was thrust in net during the second round two years ago after injuries to Logan Thompson and Laurent Brossoit. He went 11-4 with a 2.17 GAA and a league-best .932 save percentage to deliver the first championship in franchise history.

Posted on

Shohei Ohtani and four other Japanese players come home to start the MLB season

TOKYO — It’s only two games to start the Major League Baseball season — the World Series-champion Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome.

For the record, the MLB regular season consists of almost 2,500 games.

But it’s much more for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was born in Japan. And for Shohei Ohtani and the four other Japanese players competing at home for the Dodgers and Cubs.

Then there’s MLB, which opens its regular season for the second straight year in the Asian market. A year ago it was Seoul, South Korea, where the Dodgers and San Diego Padres split two games. It was also where the betting scandal broke around Ohtani’s interpreter.

“It’s hard to tell if this is the golden age for Japanese players in the United States,” Ohtani said, speaking through an interpreter, as both teams trained at the Tokyo Dome.

“I know there’s been a lot of Japanese players that came before me,” Ohtani added. “But having five (Japanese players) is a big deal. It’s truly a big deal.”

Asked what he was most looking forward to, Ohtani replied: “Eating good food, getting over the jetlag, and just being able to enjoy playing the game.”

Roberts back in Japan

It’s a homecoming for Roberts, who was born on Japan’s southern island of Okinawa to a Japanese mother and an American father. He’s expecting relatives to attend from Okinawa, where last year he was honored by officials there.

“For me it’s personal because I get to represent my mom’s side of the family,” Roberts said. “I have a lot of relatives and family that can watch this baseball game — watch a Dodgers game at night instead of having to watch us in the morning.”

The time difference between Japan and the American east coast is 13 hours, and Japan is 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Japan is Dodgers country, swept away by Ohtani, the World Series title, and pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. They are expected to be the Dodgers starters against the Cubs.

“I think our mission was accomplished painting the country of Japan in Dodgers blue,” Roberts said.

Yamamoto and Ohtani talked about the joy of being home, as did Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, the likely DH. Imanaga is expected to start against Yamamoto in the first game.

“I hope my teammates are really enjoying Japan right now,” Ohtani said. “But also I hope the fans get to see my teammates enjoying Japan.”

Ohtani says pitching on track

Ohtani was reminded that he has not thrown a bullpen session in several weeks as he hopes to return to pitching after missing out last season following elbow surgery.

“I want to prioritize the hitting aspect as we’re getting into the season, to give a little breather mentally and physically to the pitching side of thing,” he said. “This is according to plan and I’m pleased with how things have been going.”

Sasaki with something to prove

For Sasaki, it’s different. The 23-year-old signed with the Dodgers two months ago and needs to prove himself, though many feel he’s a can’t-miss prospect.

“I literally was in Japan until a couple of months ago,” he said through an interpreter. “For me it’s more about being able to pitch in a different uniform on a different team and make sure I do perform at my best.”

Sasaki met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in his office and gave him an autographed Dodgers cap. He was accompanied by Dodgers owner Mark Walter.

“I’m truly happy that the Dodgers are opening the season in Japan,” Japanese media reported Ishiba as saying.

Cubs party with Imanaga and Suzuki

Cubs manager Craig Counsell talked about a party thrown by Imanaga and Suzuki to welcome the other Cubs to Japan. For most it’s the first visit.

What impressed Counsell was a large tuna that was carved up in a ceremony at the party. Sashimi and sushi for all.

“We had tuna cut open,” Counsell said. “Some of the players participated in that, which was scary for a second with players with knives in their hands. But other than that it was great.”

Counsell said the trip to Japan was about “kizuna,” which is the Japanese word for bonding. He’s obviously been schooled by his Japanese players.

“That started for our team last night with the great party and being able to be together,” Counsell said.

Posted on

NHL Rumor Roundup: What's Next For The Penguins And Islanders?

Rickard Rakell (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Penguins were among the busiest teams at last week's NHL trade deadline.

In the 48 hours leading up to the March 7 deadline, they shipped out Michael Bunting to the Nashville Predators for Luke Schenn and Tommy Novak, flipped Schenn to the Winnipeg Jets, sent Vincent Desharnais to the San Jose Sharks, dealt Anthony Beauvillier to the Washington Capitals, traded Cody Glass to the New Jersey Devils and acquired Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar from the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

The Athletic's Josh Yohe reported there was “heavy interest” in Pittsburgh Penguins winger Rickard Rakell. One of those clubs was the Edmonton Oilers. On March 8, TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported the Oilers looked into Rakell's availability.

Yohe indicated the Penguins set a high price for the 31-year-old Rakell. He believes GM Kyle Dubas didn't expect anyone to meet it, adding that they never really wanted to move him.

Erik Karlsson is another story. Yohe believes Dubas discussed moving the 34-year-old defenseman with several teams, suggesting that Karlsson's puck-moving skills could be valuable on a good team where his defensive flaws could be offset.

Yohe cited two NHL sources claiming Karlsson could be moved this summer if Dubas is willing to retain $3 million of his cap hit. The Penguins carry $10 million of his $11.5-million average annual value, with the Sharks holding the rest.

With the salary cap projected to rise to $95.5 million for next season, Dubas could try to find a club willing to take the entirety of Karlsson's cap hit off the Penguins' books. Nevertheless, teams will likely squeeze him to retain part of it.

Flyers Vs. Penguins: Who Will Be Cup Contenders Sooner?Flyers Vs. Penguins: Who Will Be Cup Contenders Sooner?Remember when the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins rivalry was arguably the best in the NHL, matching hated cross-state rivals who were usually among the league’s elite?

Shifting our gaze to the New York Islanders, defenseman Noah Dobson surfaced in the rumor mill after it was reported he changed agents a couple of weeks before the trade deadline. However, Ethan Sears of the New York Post reported they weren't shopping Dobson, nor was the 25-year-old blueliner seeking a trade.

Dobson will become an RFA with arbitration rights on July 1. He indicated that the change of agents occurred well before the report emerged in the press.

Meanwhile, The Athletic's Arthur Staple reported the Islanders didn't float Jean-Gabriel Pageau's name in the trade market before the deadline. He anticipates Pageau and captain Anders Lee could be shopped in the off-season as management attempts to make the roster younger. He also speculated that Pierre Engvall and Scott Mayfield could be bought out in June.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

Posted on

Tokyo Series will showcase the depth of Japanese talent in Major League Baseball

TOKYO — The spotlight will be on slugger Shohei Ohtani when the superstar returns to Japan and leads the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs in the first two games of the Major League Baseball season at the Tokyo Dome.

He won’t be the only one playing in front of his home country.

Four other Japanese players — LA’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, along with Chicago’s Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga — will be on the field in a display of how deep the talent pool is in the country.

The outsized attention on Ohtani is understandable: He’s coming off one of the best seasons in MLB history and won his third MVP award after becoming the first player to hit at least 50 homers and steal at least 50 bases in the same season.

Ohtani had offseason surgery on his left shoulder following the World Series but is expected to start at designated hitter for the Dodgers in Japan after hitting .353 with two doubles and a homer in spring training.

The other four Japanese players are all accomplished in their own right. Here’s a look at each player as the opener approaches on March 18.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers, RHP

Yamamoto came to the Dodgers before last season, signing a 12-year, $325 million deal that was somewhat overshadowed by Ohtani’s monster 10-year, $700 million deal.

When healthy, Yamamoto was very good in his first big league season, finishing with a 7-2 record, a 3.00 ERA and 105 strikeouts over 90 innings. He was also solid in the postseason with a 2-0 record and a 3.86 ERA.

Yamamoto missed about three months last season with a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old has been healthy so far this spring and will be the starting pitcher for the season opener.

He played seven seasons for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan before coming to the U.S., where he had a 70-29 record along with a miniscule 1.82 ERA.

Seiya Suzuki, Cubs, OF/DH

The 30-year-old Suzuki has been an important part of the Cubs lineup for the past three seasons. He just finished his best season in the big leagues, batting .283 with 21 homers, 73 RBIs, 16 stolen bases and 27 doubles.

Suzuki has played most of his games in right field for the Cubs, but is just an average fielder. Manager Craig Counsell says Suzuki might be utilized more as a designated hitter this season after the addition of All-Star Kyle Tucker, who the team acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros.

He played nine seasons for the Hiroshima Carp before signing with the Cubs, batting .309 with 189 career homers.

Roki Sasaki, Dodgers, RHP

Sasaki is the youngest of the Japanese players in Tokyo for the series at 23 years old.

This is the lanky 6-foot-2 right-hander’s first season in the U.S. after playing four seasons for the Chiba Lotte Mariners, where he had an overpowering fastball that could touch 100 mph. He’s dealt with injuries over the past few years, which has limited his time on the mound.

Even so, Sasaki was electric in his spring training debut, striking out five over three scoreless innings. His fastball was clocked in the high 90s and he has a devastating splitter that coaxes plenty of swing-and-miss.

Sasaki signed a minor league contract that had a signing bonus of $6.5 million, though he’s expected to be on the big league roster. Because he’s under 25 and did not have six years of service time in Japan, Sasaki was considered an international amateur by MLB’s rules and was limited to a minor league deal with a limited signing bonus.

Shota Imanaga, Cubs, LHP

The 31-year-old Imanaga made an immediate impact last season with the Cubs, making the National League All-Star team and finishing with a 15-3 record and 2.91 ERA. He’s expected to be the team’s ace in 2025 and will pitch against Yamamoto in the first game in Tokyo.

Imanaga doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, with the pitch usually sitting in the low 90s, but the left-hander has a quality splitter and mixes his pitches well. Before coming to the U.S., he pitched eight seasons for the Yokohoma BayStars and was 64-50 with a 3.18 ERA.

Posted on

Sabres Call Up Promising Forward Prospect

Tyson Kozak (© Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward Tyson Kozak from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Rochester Americans. 

Kozak, 22, has played in his first 11 NHL games this season with the Sabres, where he has one goal and a minus-2 rating. His last appearance was against the Nashville Predators on Jan. 31, where he had 10:02 of ice time in 15 shifts.

Kozak has taken a step forward offensively down in the AHL with Rochester this season, posting new career-highs with eight goals and 14 points in 31 games. This is after he had five goals and 12 points in 41 games last season with Rochester.

Kozak will now look to make an impact during this latest call-up to the Sabres' roster from here. If he does well, it would help his chances of sticking around with the NHL club. 

Recent Sabres News 

Sabres Superstar Tage Thompson Is Heating Up Big Time

Former Sabre Dylan Cozens Has Big Moment With New Team

Sabres & Rangers Talking JJ Peterka Trade: Report

Former Sabre Dylan Cozens Impresses In Senators Debut

Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers Complete Trade

Posted on

NHL Nugget: Rangers' J.T. Miller's Birthday Backcheck

J.T. Miller (Brad Penner-Imagn Images)

Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Birthday Backcheck features New York Rangers center J.T. Miller, who turns 32 years old on March 14.

Miller is in his second stint with the Rangers after the team drafted him 15th overall in 2011. During his first stint, he became the first Rangers player to have a multi-goal game in more than two decades. He then played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks before returning to New York.

 Brian T. Dessart takes fans on a distinctive ride through the historic-laden NHL with the #NHLNugget. Check out NHLNugget.com to find where to follow NHL Nugget on social media.  And for past NHL Nuggets, click here.    

Posted on

Analyzing Knicks' potential first-round matchups for 2025 NBA playoffs

With the NBA playoffs just one month away, the Knicks find themselves firmly in the third seed in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games behind the Celtics for second and 5.0 games ahead of the Bucks in fourth.

There’s plenty of uncertainty as to how they close out the season without Jalen Brunson, but barring an unforeseen disaster, they’re highly likely to end up matched up with the Bucks, Pacers, or Pistons in the first round. 

Let’s dive into each of these potential opponents and see how they stack up against New York...

Bucks

The Bucks have failed to recapture their bonafide contender status since winning the 2021 NBA Finals, despite their blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard -- but their deadline deals for Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr. and former Knick Jericho Sims have given them a top-five defense since early February and a 10-6 record over that span.

They also boast the still-dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s only lost his MVP sheen due to his team’s performance.

New York hasn’t played the new-look Bucks yet, but they have a meeting slated for late March after dusting them in a pair of blowouts earlier this season. The weaknesses displayed in those losses haven’t fully been addressed and New York is primed to take advantage in a potential first-round series. 

Karl-Anthony Towns averaged 31 points in those wins, a stylistic nightmare for Milwaukee’s opposing center Brook Lopez. Lopez is a good defender, but he lacks the mobility to cover the space created by Towns and his ferocious driving game.

Expect them to hide Lopez on Josh Hart out of the gate and force Towns to find his spots against their wings -- a popular look that’s worked well for better teams. New York will have to get creative getting Hart involved in on-ball actions and be willing to sit him for a shooter in response. 

Despite their high-level defense, the Bucks also don’t have a great individual answer for Jalen Brunson, who had a surgical 44 points on 26 shots during their last matchup. Milwaukee's guards are lacking defensively, so they will likely be hidden on New York’s wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, who will need to step up and take advantage offensively.

Brunson will see his fair share of Kuzma, Taurean Prince and Porter, consistent with how foes have guarded him using big wings during the regular season and last year’s playoffs. Fans shouldn’t doubt Brunson’s ability to figure them out one-on-one, but New York would be smart to emphasize his playmaking and other preferable assignments on the floor.

Even with the roster changes, New York measures up nicely with the Bucks. Their offense is average and not much improved since the trades -- it's a stilted and star-dependent system that the Knicks have the personnel to deal with.

They won’t kill New York on the offensive glass, but love to push the ball and can be dangerous if the Knicks let their role players get going. This feels akin to the 76ers series last year -- a star-heavy, tough but beatable matchup that doesn’t pose huge stylistic threats.

Pacers

New York is very familiar with Indiana, having been bounced by them in a seven game series in the second round last year.

But circumstances have changed dramatically since then -- half the Knicks were out due to injury/hurting during that series and the other half were largely traded/lost in the offseason. With that being said, the Pacers are still very much in line with last year’s version.

They boast a top-10 offense behind their engine, Tyrese Haliburton, and a much more comfortable Pascal Siakam, who is having an All-Star season. Benedict Mathurin missed the Knicks series but is healthy and having a career year, averaging 25.3 points in his three games against New York.

Indiana’s defense is at about league average -- a bump from last year but still their Achilles heel.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York took two of three games against Indiana this season, including one on the road and a home-opener rout. 

This one is more of a clash of approaches. The Pacers are top 10 in pace behind a young, athletic, high-scoring team. A potential series will come down to how well the Knicks can limit them to the half-court and keep them off the boards.

There shouldn’t be much new they can throw at Jalen Brunson when he has the ball in his hands, and he’s proven their individual defenders can’t hold him without help. One thing the Pacers did well was limit his high-efficiency looks -- threes and free throws -- but their attention should be a bit more divided with Towns in the picture.

Towns averaged 30.3 points in the three games against the Pacers this season, and should be expected to dominate his matchup with Myles Turner, who hurt the Knicks last season.

This series is definitely the most favorable to those who prefer narratives, with these two holding a long-time rivalry and the Knicks seeking revenge, and may arguably be the most favorable for a quick Knicks advance as well. 

Pistons

The new kids on the block have made their mark, breaking out with a 37-30 record and top-10 defense. They’ve especially given the Knicks problems, up 2-1 in the season series with a final meeting scheduled in April.

It’s no surprise why -- Detroit is another young and athletic team as opposed to the older, slower Knicks, and they have strong depth off the bench. They’re a top-10 offensive rebounding team and are top-five on the other end, so New York needs to devote a lot of energy to the possession battle.

They also relentlessly attack Brunson defensively with their 6’6” former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who just made his first All-Star team. In their two wins over New York, Cunningham put up a 29-point triple-double and a 36-point outburst, though the Knicks left plenty of adjustments off the table.

Cutting off the head of the snake is crucial to the Knicks in this series. The Pistons are somewhat limited in creation beyond Cunningham, with the onus falling on Jaden Ivey and a hodgepodge of reliable but more complementary veterans. 

Those vets will help guide the young Pistons through their first playoff experience -- a huge factor in a potential series.

The postseason is an entirely different game, and the shift from the regular season can give new teams whiplash before they get a chance to adjust -- see the Cavaliers in 2023 or the Knicks in 2021. 

One might think this isn’t relevant to a Knicks strategy against the Pistons in a series, but they lost these regular season games due to a lack of focus and execution. They committed an uncharacteristically large amount of turnovers that let the Detroit offense get running and punching above its weight. 

If New York can limit those turnovers and show poise defensively and on the boards at a level the Pistons shouldn’t be accustomed to, this should be a confident series for them. However, they can’t underestimate them or it will be an embarrassing first-round out.