Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game three of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks rode into the 2026 NBA All-Star break on a winning note after demolishing the Philadelphia 76ers in a 138-89 road victory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday night. Trade deadline acquisition Jose Alvarado led the Knicks in scoring with 26 points off the bench, while Karl-Anthony Towns secured another double-double behind a 21-point, 11-rebound effort. The win improves the Knicks to 35-20 on the 2025-26 campaign, while sending Philly to further down to Atlantic Division standings at 30-24.
It was one of the easier viewings for Knicks fans this season. New York recorded consecutive 36-point scoring efforts in the opening quarters that left the visitors with a 30-point halftime advantage. New York’s starting unit enjoyed a leisurely view from the bench as the final 10 minutes of the game drained off the clock in the lopsided win.
There are three more games on the NBA schedule on Thursday night before the NBA world shuts down for a brief break for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, California. Jalen Brunson will start for Team USA, while Towns will serve as a reserve for Team World. Both players are expected to appear for Team Knicks in the 2026 NBA All-Star Shooting Stars squad alongside New York legend Allan Houston. The festivities for the NBA All-Star Game will take place between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15.
New York returns from the All-Star break with a tough test against the Detroit Pistons (40-13) at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 19. The Knicks have 27 games remaining in the 2025-26 regular season before attempting to become the first team to secure the Emirates NBA Cup and the NBA Championship in the same season.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, the push toward the NBA Finals will be shaped less by blowout wins against lesser opponents and more by high-leverage games against playoff-caliber teams.
These contests will test lineup flexibility, late-game execution, and mental toughness. They also reveal whether Philadelphia can consistently impose its style on teams that know them well.
Several matchups on the calendar stand out as tone-setters, games that influence seeding, confidence, and league-wide respect.
Each one offers a snapshot of who the 76ers are right now, and who they are becoming as the postseason approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Date: February 12
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The February 12 matchup against the New York Knicks will shine a spotlight on the Philadelphia 76ers’ ability to handle physical, playoff-style basketball. New York brings defensive pressure, rebounding strength, and a slow-it-down approach that forces discipline on both ends.
In the recent 2025/26 coverage, analysts consistently frame the Knicks as a stress test for teams with championship aspirations, and Philadelphia leans into that challenge.
The 76ers emphasize half-court execution, patient ball movement, and attacking mismatches rather than rushing possessions. This game also matters psychologically, as the Knicks are a direct obstacle in the Eastern Conference.
A strong performance will reinforce the opinion that the Philadelphia 76ers can win games where spacing is tight, and points come at a premium.
For fans who closely follow momentum swings and matchups, it’s noteworthy that this type of contest often shapes how those immersing themselves in the sport bet on NBA games. These sorts of matchups reveal which contenders remain composed under pressure rather than relying on pace alone.
When the Philadelphia 76ers face the Indiana Pacers on February 25, the contrast in styles takes center stage. Indiana pushes tempo, prioritizes transition scoring, and thrives when games become chaotic.
The recent 2025/26 analysis points to this matchup as a test of control. Philadelphia focuses on limiting turnovers and dictating pace, knowing that defensive discipline often determines the outcome. This game will force the 76ers’ perimeter defenders to stay locked in while bigs recover quickly in space.
Offensively, Philadelphia will look to exploit Indiana’s defensive lapses by creating high-quality shots rather than trading baskets. A win here signals that the Philadelphia 76ers can adapt without abandoning their identity.
It also matters in the standings, as games against fast-rising conference opponents influence tiebreakers and playoff positioning. More importantly, it’ll show whether Philadelphia can win games that feel uncomfortable, an essential trait for any team with Finals ambitions.
Credit: Taylor Smith-Unsplash
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
Date: March 2
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
The March 2 showdown with the Boston Celtics feels like a preview of May, and for the Philadelphia 76ers, no opponent carries more symbolic weight.
Boston represents the gold standard in the East, and 2025/26 NBA coverage frequently frames this rivalry as a referendum on Philadelphia’s readiness. Every possession matters, and adjustments happen quickly. The 76ers prioritize defensive communication, knowing Boston thrives on exploiting small mistakes.
On offense, Philadelphia targets efficient shot creation rather than volume, understanding that empty possessions swing momentum fast in these games. This matchup also tests mental resilience, especially in late-game scenarios where execution outweighs talent.
A strong showing against Boston reinforces the idea that the Philadelphia 76ers belong in the same championship conversation.
Win or lose, how Philadelphia competes, its poise, adaptability, and response to runs, will shape league perception and influence how seriously opponents take them entering the postseason.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: March 11
Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The March 11 game against the Memphis Grizzlies offers the Philadelphia 76ers a different kind of challenge. Memphis brings athleticism, defensive aggression, and a relentless attack.
Recent season analysis emphasizes that Western Conference opponents like the Grizzlies test a team’s physical endurance and depth. For Philadelphia, this matchup is about sustaining intensity across four quarters.
The 76ers focus on defensive rotations and rebounding to prevent second-chance points, while offensively, they look to punish overhelping with smart ball movement. This game also matters because it simulates the grind of Finals-style basketball, where physicality escalates, and whistles tighten.
A composed performance will show that the Philadelphia 76ers can handle teams that pressure the rim and challenge every possession. It’ll also reveal whether their system can hold up not just against familiar Eastern rivals, but against elite, high-energy opponents from the West.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets
Date: March 18
Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado
Facing the Denver Nuggets on March 18 represents one of the clearest measuring sticks for the Philadelphia 76ers. Denver’s championship pedigree and disciplined execution force opponents to play near-perfect basketball.
In 2025–2026 previews, this matchup is often framed as a Finals-level chess match. Philadelphia emphasizes defensive versatility, switching schemes to disrupt rhythm while staying connected on shooters.
Offensively, the 76ers prioritize spacing and decision-making, knowing Denver punishes hesitation. This game will also highlight stamina and focus, as Denver thrives on wearing teams down with consistent pressure.
A competitive showing will signal that the Philadelphia 76ers can match elite teams possession for possession without unraveling. Beyond the result, how Philadelphia manages late-game situations, timeouts, matchups, and shot selection offers insight into their championship readiness.
Games like this define whether Finals aspirations feel realistic or remain theoretical.
Collective Impact
The road to the NBA Finals rarely hinges on a single moment, but for the Philadelphia 76ers, these key games collectively define their trajectory. Each matchup reveals something different: resilience against physical teams, control versus speed, composure under rivalry pressure, and adaptability against elite Western opponents.
Together, they shape confidence, seeding, and belief inside the locker room. The Philadelphia 76ers are not chasing style points; they are building habits that translate into postseason success. How they perform in these spotlight games influences how the league views them and how they view themselves.
If Philadelphia continues to meet these challenges with discipline and clarity, the push toward the NBA Finals feels less like hope and more like expectation.
Denver takes a rare two-game losing streak into New York, looking to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season. They are on the second part of a back-to-back, having lost 124-121 to the Detroit Pistons a night prior. Jamal Murray led the team in scoring against Detroit with 32 points and eight assists, while Nikola Jokic scored 24 to go with 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. The Nuggets got as close as two points with 2:05 remaining after a Murray 3-pointer, but couldn’t close the gap any further.
The Knicks are as hot as any team in basketball right now, having won seven in a row, with their last game being a 132-101 laugher against the Washington Wizards. The Knicks will also be on the second part of a back-to-back, which made the easy win against the Wizards more valuable. Only Jalen Brunson (21 points) played more than 27 minutes, as Mikal Bridges led the team in scoring with 23 points.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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After two months of debate, whispers, and will-they-won’t-they about whether the Milwaukee Bucks would trade superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, it feels like we’ve finally reached the boiling point.
Less than a week before the NBA trade deadline, all signs point to the Bucks finally believing it might be best for both parties if they split before the end of the season. The Bucks were expected to try to look for a significant trade deadline acquisition to pair with the Greek centerpiece. Those aspirations have been dashed, however, by Antetokounmpo’s recent calf strain.
At 18-27 and barreling down to the bottom of a soft Eastern Conference, the Bucks are on the verge of a needed rebuild, and they could officially begin it in the next few days if they trade the former MVP.
While the usual suspects that have been linked to Antetokounmpo, like the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Golden State Warriors, are all expected to make their best offer, a surprise team from the shadows might have the best offer on the table for the reeling Bucks.
NBA insider Chris Haynes, along with other sources, believes that the Atlanta Hawks, who recently traded former face of the franchise Trae Young to Washington, are a team to watch as the Antetokounmpo market develops.
The Hawks have a young, exciting squad, and the addition of a superstar like Antetokounmpo could be the final piece that pushes them from frisky underdog to full-fledged title contender in an open Eastern Conference.
And when it comes to the Bucks looking towards the future, the Hawks might have the greatest asset of all in the trade discussions.
The New Orleans Pelicans traded the Hawks their first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which, at the moment, gives them the third-best odds in the lottery. Freshman prospects Cameron Boozer (Duke), AJ Dybantsa (BYU), and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are all looked at as potential generational talents, so getting a top-three selection is paramount for the teams trying to launch their future.
Milluwake, seventh currently in lottery odds, could possibly dream of grabbing two of the “Big 3” freshmen in a world where the team falls even further down the standings without their best player.
Although other teams can offer better current players than the Hawks, that might not matter if the Bucks are enamored of the upcoming prospect class that has turned heads in college basketball.
Flashier franchises are vying for Antetokounmpo. But the Hawks might swoop down from the skies and snatch him right under the noses of the Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Just five minutes into a road matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the struggling New York Knicks lost Jalen Brunson to an ankle injury. Eventually, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an ankle sprain.
The next-day diagnosis would suggest the Knicks weren’t losing Brunson to a long-term setback, but a positive injury update couldn’t erase the fact that a poor effort in Sacramento led to a 112-101 loss against a team the Knicks knew they should’ve defeated.
Since the start of 2026, the Knicks are 2-6. They went from in-season champions to being in a slump. Without Brunson against the Golden State Warriors on January 15, the Knicks were dominated with a 126-113 loss. That was their second loss in a row.
Could Jalen Brunson Return to the Lineup?
There’s a chance. On Friday night, the Knicks’ initial injury report listed Brunson as questionable to play on Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns.
Brunson will likely have to go through his morning shootaround and pregame warmup routine before deciding on his final status for the evening. Obviously, the All-Star will push to play, but the Knicks can’t further risk his health. He’s too important, and they aren’t strong enough without him.
The Knicks didn’t have to play without the MVP-caliber guard much this year. Brunson missed two games in mid-November, and the Knicks split those matchups with a win and a loss. There was a lone absence on December 23, and that’s it before Brunson’s recent ankle injury.
In 37 games this season, Brunson has averaged 28.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. He is shooting 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from three.
The Knicks will get clarity on Brunson’s final playing status soon enough. The Knicks and the Suns are set for a 7:30 PM ET tip-off on Saturday night. New York is looking to climb out of a two-game skid, while Phoenix is in a similar boat.
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First-year FAMU head basketball coach and former 12-year NBA veteran Charlie Ward won the 1993 Heisman Trophy as a quarterback at Florida State University. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Florida A&M Rattlers men’s basketball program is playing at Georgia Tech on Sunday afternoon. But on a sunny Saturday afternoon, Rattlers head coach Charlie Ward took a seat inside the College Football Hall of Fame to talk shop. For a college basketball coach to be seated in college football’s hall of record here in Atlanta would be odd if not for the man in question. Thomasville, Georgia native, Charlie Ward is one of the greatest two-sport collegiate athletes of all time.
Moments after the Rattlers’ bus pulled up outside the College Football Hall of Fame, a dozen student-athletes got off the bus, followed by a shorter and older man wearing glasses and a FAMU sweatsuit. Ward still looks like he’s at his playing weight from his playing days.
Asked if his team had any idea how good a college football player he was, Ward smirked before looking ambivalent. His football-playing days are long gone. The visit to the hall will give his players quite an education on their head coach if they aren’t sure how good he was on the gridiron. This being Ward’s first season as a collegiate head coach, there have been some lessons learned along the way. The Rattlers are 3-7 overall and have lost their last two games. While playing basketball at Florida State, Ward’s teams, which included former NBA players Sam Cassell and Bob Sura, rarely lost games, despite competing in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
For many of the Rattlers’ players, this was their first time inside the College Football Hall of Fame. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
“I just appreciate our upbringing,” Ward said of his playing days.
He mentioned a game-winning layup against the Yellow Jackets and a big win at Boddy Dodd Stadium during his senior season as moments that stand out in Atlanta. Now he was back, looking for another victory.
Speaking of the ACC, FAMU will play a Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets team that is 8-4 and is also coached by a former NBA point guard, Damon Stoudamire.
“This has been a good experience. The players are the players, and the game is the game,” Ward said.
His high school coaching career gave him less autonomy over who he was coaching, but the college level will allow him to piece together a roster.
“Being able to go recruiting has been something. You just have to manage your roster,” he said.
As decorated for his on-field heroics as Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, two legendary two-sport athletes on the collegiate and professional levels, Ward won the 1993 Heisman Trophy as the quarterback at Florida State University and the 1994 National Championship. He followed up a five-star college football career with a 12-year career as a guard in the NBA, first as a first-round draft pick, 26th overall, by the New York Knicks, who were also in Atlanta for a game against the Atlanta Hawks that night.
Ward (above) and the Rattlers will face Georgia Tech and former fellow NBA guard Damon Stoudamire at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Asked if he knew that his former team was in town at the same time as his new team, Ward said he didn’t. He’s focused on coaching college basketball these days.
The team was given a tour of the hall, and for the majority of the players, this was their first time inside. Ward, who also finished sixth in Heisman voting as a junior in 1992, and is the basketball program’s all-time leader in steals, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
The score was tied at 121 with less than two minutes to play when New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson (34 points) squared up Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young (9 points and 10 assists) and nailed a jump shot to put the Knicks ahead by two points. He did the same thing at the end of the first quarter to give his team a 33-27 lead. Young returned the favor and made a pair of free throws to tie the game before the Hawks regained the lead 125-124.
Onyeka Okongwu (above) led the Hawks with 31 points and 14 rebounds during the loss to the Knicks on Saturday night. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The game had been a back-and-forth affair throughout, and after the Knicks were back in front 126-125 courtesy of free throws from OG Anunoby 15 points and 10 rebounds), Atlanta had the ball and 15.6 seconds to seize the day. Following a turnover and two more Anunoby free throws, Atlanta had the ball back, but this time they were down by three points with 7.3 seconds to play.
They missed. They lost. Again. The 128-125 loss was the sixth consecutive loss for the Hawks. After the game, Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said his team fought hard.
“I thought our whole team competed,” Snyder said. “We just have to fight and we fought.”
“I thought our whole team competed,” Hawks head coach Quin Snyder (above) said. “We just have to fight and we fought.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Knicks (now 22-9 overall) and Hawks (15-18), not necessarily rivals, are more like interested parties due to the large number of New Yorkers now residing in Atlanta. The teams experienced 10 lead changes during the first quarter of Saturday night’s game.
Residing on opposite ends of the Eastern Conference standings, the Knicks were nipping at the heels of the Detroit Pistons, a team that has defeated the Hawks twice this season and has the best record in the East. The Hawks, on the other hand, had lost their last five games and were looking for a spark of any kind.
Atlanta was out-rebounded for the sixth consecutive game on Saturday. The Knicks had twice as many offensive rebounds during the game. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Rebounding has been an issue for Atlanta during its losing streak, and the first quarter ended with the team losing another rebounding battle. Early in the second quarter, the Knicks were ahead 21-11 on the boards. Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns (36 points and 15 rebounds) had five of those rebounds to go along with eight points. One of those offensive rebounds led to a dunk by Knicks forward Mikail Bridges (14 points and 8 assists) for a 45-37 lead. Moments earlier, Bridges dunked on a fastbreak to bring the largely pro-Knicks crowd to its feet. A Bridges three-pointer would give New York its largest lead of the first half, 59-49, with 3:30 to play before halftime.
The Knicks would be up by 16 points by the time Hawks head coach Quin Snyder called a timeout at the 8:19 mark of the third quarter. The Hawks were out of sync on defense. At this point in the game, the Knicks had more offensive rebounds, total rebounds, and steals.
Atlanta’s best players, Jalen Johnson and Young, got off to slow starts. Combined, they had six first-half points. When Young was subbed out of the game at the 6:55 mark of the third quarter, he looked dejected and sat slumped on the end of the Hawks’ bench. When Young returned to the game with two minutes remaining in the quarter, he quickly took the ball to the basket, scored, and was fouled. The successful free throw may have only been Young’s fifth point of the game, but it brought Atlanta within six points of the Knicks.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (above, with the ball) came into the game on Saturday, averaging nearly 30 points per game. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The fourth quarter had the Knicks, particularly Towns, at the free-throw line often. When he wasn’t at the line, he was nailing long three-pointers like the two he made to help give the Knicks a 112-100 lead with 7:41 to play.
Hawks’ undersized center Onyeka Okongwu (31 points and 14 rebounds) played one of his most complete games with 25 points and 13 rebounds. The same could be said for Nikeil Alexander-Walker, who came off the bench on Saturday to provide instant offense whenever the Hawks needed it. His three-pointer with five minutes to play pulled Atlanta within three points of the Knicks at 114-111.
The Hawks will face another quality opponent and a much bigger test when they travel west to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder on Monday, December 29. It will be the first time the two teams will play this season, and an annual homecoming for Young.
Atlanta will return to State Farm Arena to host the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta native Anthony Edwards on New Year’s Eve. The game will have a special 3 p.m. tipoff.
Well, make that six of their last seven games as the Heat defeated the Hawks 126-111.
At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks and Heat were tied at 32. The teams came into Friday’s game with similar overall records (Miami was 15-15 and the Hawks were 15-16) and, from the looks of things early on, appeared to be evenly matched. Hawks guard Trae Young scored nine of the Hawks’ 32 points.
Atlanta had lost eight of its last 10 games, and part of the reason for that slide was slow starts to the games. Against the Heat, the Hawks were down 11-4 before Young made some shots to get them back into the game. Heat guard Norman Powell did the same for his team after making consecutive three-pointers late in the second quarter to give Miami an eight-point advantage. Mirin Fader recently profiled Powell for The Athletic.
Behind Powell’s 12 points, the Heat extended its lead to 63-51 at the half.
The second half began with a three-pointer from Young and the Hawks cutting the Miami advantage to five points at the 6:51 mark. A lot of that work was done by forward Jalen Johnson, who forced his way to the basket, scored, and was fouled. His three-point play brought Atlanta within four points, 79-75, with 3:41 remaining in the third quarter.
The quarter ended with the Heat ahead 90-84, and the fourth quarter began with the Heat extending that lead to double-figures within minutes. A reverse layup from Powell gave Miami a 10-point lead with seven minutes to play in the game. The Heat would have its largest lead of the game, 117-102, with just under four minutes to play. A wild running hook by Heat forward Pelle Larsson found the bottom of the net and sent some Hawks fans heading to the exits of State Farm Arena.
Hinesville, Georgia native Davion Mitchell, who started at the point for the Heat, led the way with six assists.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The New York Knicks will be in town tomorrow, Saturday, December 27. These games are the first time the Hawks faced the Heat and Knicks this season.
Atlanta is now 6-9 at home this season.
The last home game of the year will take place on New Year’s Eve when the Minnesota Timberwolves and Atlanta native Anthony Edwards will be in town for an afternoon tip-off (2 p.m.). The new year will begin with a three-game homestand. The Hawks and Young will be in New York at Madison Square Garden to play the Knicks on January 2, followed by consecutive games in Toronto against the Raptors on January 3 and 5.
Another heartbreaking loss for the Philadelphia 76ers, this time a 120-117 thriller against the Atlanta Hawks on December 14, 2025, left fans reeling from familiar frustrations. A controversial missed backcourt violation in the closing moments sealed the defeat, but the issues run deeper than one call. As of December 17, 2025, the Sixers sit at 14-11, a respectable record on paper with a potent offense ranking among the league’s top 10 in points per game. Yet, subtle flaws continue to undermine this talented roster, problems that don’t always show up in the stat sheet.
Early in the season, third-quarter collapses plagued Philadelphia, with the team routinely outscored coming out of halftime. Adjustments seemed to pay off recently—they won the third quarter in their victory over the Indiana Pacers—but lapses persist. Defensive miscues, struggles to control the pace, and late-game execution have cost them in tight contests. The recent Hawks game highlighted over-reliance on hero ball down the stretch, even as Paul George erupted for a season-high 35 points on efficient 11-of-21 shooting, including 7-of-10 from three.
What’s holding back the Sixers?
Integrating Joel Embiid and Paul George back into the lineup has been a process. Both stars are flashing vintage form: Embiid dropped a season-high 39 points against the Pacers, while George has looked increasingly explosive. But health remains a concern. Tyrese Maxey missed the Hawks game with an illness, and Kelly Oubre Jr. continues recovering from a knee issue, though he’s progressing with on-court activities. Depth players like Trendon Watford are also working back, thinning the rotation at times.
On the surface, the Sixers look fine—loaded with talent, high-scoring, and rebounding well. Their young core, including standout rookie VJ Edgecombe, adds athleticism and potential. But chemistry is still building around Embiid, George, and Maxey. Roles are being defined, and the transition from individual brilliance to cohesive team play takes time, especially with a mix of veterans and youth.
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Late-game decision-making stands out as a recurring culprit.
The good news? The pieces are there for a deep playoff run.
Embiid and George are turning back the clock with high-level performances, and as health stabilizes, the Sixers should climb the Eastern Conference standings. If they iron out third-quarter woes, sharpen late-game poise, and let chemistry gel, this group has championship upside.
It’s been a rollercoaster start—ups highlighted by dominant wins, downs marked by agonizing close losses. The talent is undeniable; now it’s about clarity and consistency. With the core intact and emerging youth contributing, Philadelphia has everything needed for a strong second half and a legitimate playoff push.
Trust the process—again—but this time, the payoff feels closer than ever.
“I am Santa,” the New York Knicks captain joked. “I haven’t gained Santa’s weight yet though. Not yet. Soon though”
Knicks fans want him to keep that weight off. Not only through the holiday season, but through the NBA season, which they hope ends with Brunson giving them their greatest gift of all: the team’s first championship in over 50 years.
But he recently resembled Santa in other ways – by surprising children in need with items on their holiday wish lists as part of Garden of Dreams Week.
That included Isaiah Lewis, a 16-year-old from New York who has been grieving the recent death of his mother. Lewis, who has since been residing with his grandfather, said he thought he was being taken to a party when he instead was brought to the Knicks training facility in Westchester earlier this month.
Inside was a locker stall with the family’s name on it and a stack of wrapped presents. Brunson then walked in to greet the family and hand out the gifts.
“I was like, ‘No way!’ I thought it was like a joke or something,” Lewis said. “I thought it was like early Christmas or something.”
Jalen Brunson with Isaiah Lewis (left) and Alfred Philbert during Garden of Dreams Week. (NY Knicks/Garden of Dreams Foundation)
Lewis, a techie and gamer who hopes to have a career in cyber security, received a laptop, keyboard, gaming center and other gifts.
“He was so happy, he even said to me, ‘It’s the happiest day of my life,’” his grandfather, Alfred Philbert said. “It means a lot to me because knowing that he lost his mom…It was a pleasure seeing him happy.”
Jalen Brunson signs a jersey for Isaiah Lewis during Garden of Dreams Week. (NY Knicks/Garden of Dreams Foundation)
Brunson has been making fans happy on and off the court throughout the holiday season.
The Knicks star, who guided the team to an NBA Cup championship on Tuesday, signed jerseys and posed for photos with the six families he met through the Garden of Dreams Adopt-A-Family program and SCO Family of Services, which partnered with Brunson’s non-profit organization Second Round Foundation.
Brunson gave Salim Tamang, a 14-year-old Knicks fan whose family moved from Nepal to Queens, AirPods and Nike sweatpants.
“I couldn’t say nothing to him because I was really shocked at that point,” Tamang said. “I had no words.”
Jalen Brunson meets with the Tamang family during Garden of Dreams Week. (NY Knicks/Garden of Dreams Foundation)
He said his older sister Salina received makeup, and his 5-month-old sister Amaira got baby clothes.
Tamang also received the envy of his friends.
“I posted on my story and then they were just like, ‘Yo, you met Jalen Brunson?! How?’” he said. “It was really great. I hope I will see him again maybe..or his whole team.”
The 12th annual Garden of Dreams week also included two Make-A-Wish kids being named honorary coach and honorary Knick for the night, former New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist holding a meet-and-greet with a 2-year-old born with a rare congenital heart defect and auto-immune disease, the Rockettes providing a private dance lesson to a 12-year-old with cancer, and other experiences for young people in need.
Jalen Brunson hands out gifts to families during Garden of Dreams Week. (NY Knicks/Garden of Dreams Foundation)
And Brunson still might have more presents to deliver…like a slimmer version of Santa.
“Do we get free tickets to the game?” Lewis’ grandfather asked him.
“You want free tickets to the game?” Brunson said. “We’ll make that happen.”
It’s the busiest time of year for the Radio City Rockettes, who high-kick their way through multiple shows every day. But today, some of the Rockettes made sure it was also the most wonderful time of the year for a 12-year-old girl who dreams of one day becoming one of them. NBC News 4 New York’s Lynda Baquero reports.
The New York Knicks might have a lot to worry about.
Jalen Brunson went down with an injury scare late into Wednesday’s action against the Orlando Magic. The veteran guard was down for a bit, but managed to get up and walk off the court on his own power. However, he did have a noticeable limp and went straight back to the Knicks’ locker room at Madison Square Garden.
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According to James Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks have not officially reported an update on Brunson, other than the head coach, Mike Brown, claiming it was just a rolled ankle after the game.
But the fact that Brunson was reportedly seen in a walking boot and using crutches places the Knicks in an uncomfortable position until they get further clarity on Brunson’s official diagnosis.
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Amid the Knicks’ 124-107 loss against the Magic, Brunson checked in for 37 minutes. He had a productive night by making 43 percent of his shots from the field, scoring 31 points. He dished out six assists and came down with three rebounds.
Heading into Wednesday’s action, Brunson has made 10 appearances for the Knicks so far. Making 47 percent of his shots from the field and hitting on 37 percent of his threes (8.0 attempts), the star guard has been averaging 27.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists.
Considering Brunson has been an All-Star for the Knicks over the past two seasons, he’s a critical presence. Since joining the team ahead of the 2022-2023 season, Brunson has played in 210 games over the past three years. When he’s been off the court for the Knicks throughout that stretch, New York has won just under 40 percent of its games (135-203).
The initial reports coming out of Madison Square Garden certainly generate some worry about Brunson’s ankle, but the Knicks’ star will have to undergo further testing before the team’s medical staff can put a possible timeline in place for his return.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
The Disney/YouTube TV saga, now in its second week, is still showing no sign of a resolution. While the blackout is painful for subscribers who have been left without access to over 20 channels, Disney is also feeling the pinch, with reports estimating they’re losing $4.3 million per day during the dispute. The good news for YouTube subscribers is that the platform has finally started issuing $20 credits as consolation for their troubles, but will that be enough to keep their base from jumping ship and finding a new streaming service? As a reminder of how we got here, the Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement, and YouTube TV subscribers have gone without NFL, NBA and NCAA games on ABC and ESPN’s suite of channels for two straight weekends. With no agreement in sight, YouTube TV subscribers will be left in the dark for tonight’s NBA games, too.
Tonight’s basketball games between the Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder both air on ESPN, so if you want to catch either game (or watch The Golden Bachelor season finale on ABC!), you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.
One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) Below, we’ve outlined some of your best options to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable, as well as a comprehensive list of which channels have been affected, and the biggest sporting events of the week that won’t be available to YouTube TV subscribers.
What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?
If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTube TV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:
NBA
Wednesday, Nov. 12
7 p.m. | Orlando Magic vs. New York Knicks | ESPN
9:35 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | ESPN
NCAA Football
Thursday, Nov. 13
7:30 p.m. | Troy at Old Dominion | ESPN
Friday, Nov. 14
5:30 p.m. | South Carolina State at North Carolina Central | ESPN2 7:30 p.m. | Clemson at No. 20 Louisville | ESPN
Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games
For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.
Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21.
You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 18.
After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).
Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month
If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.
Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month
DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here.
Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform.
You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.
Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free
Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.
The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.
Which channels are no longer available on YouTube TV?
Every channel that’s owned by The Walt Disney Company is currently blacked out on YouTube TV. Those channels are:
Update Nov. 10 2025, 4:43PM ET: This story has been updated to include news on the $20 rebate for YouTube TV subscribers, as well as to update the list of upcoming football games for the week.
Update Nov. 6 2025, 4:38PM ET: This story has been updated to include viewing info for weekend college football games, as well as the next Monday Night Football.
Update Nov. 5 2025, 12:32PM ET: This story has been updated to include detailed info on tonight’s ESPN NBA games.
Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.
Richardson spent time with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets before bouncing around overseas after receiving a lifetime suspension from the NBA.
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Knick Michael Ray Richardson. One of the fiercest defensive players of his era, the four-time NBA All-Star made an incredible impact on the Knicks during his four seasons with the franchise. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and teammates,” the Knicks said in a statement.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks shoots over Kevin Porter of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1980 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland.(Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Richardson was a defensive stalwart, twice making the All-Defensive First Team in 1980 and 1981. He also led the association in steals three times and was the assists leader in 1980. He was named the NBA Comeback Player of the Year in 1985 after missing nearly half the previous season while in drug rehab, then bounced back to average 20.1 points while starting all 82 games.
Despite being an All-Star in three of his first four seasons, Richardson was traded to the Warriors as part of a package for Bernard King, but was traded months later to the Nets, where he found his form.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1979 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City.(Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
However, in February 1986, he was banned for life from the NBA for violating the association’s drug policy three times, forcing him to play overseas until his career ended in 2002, 24 years after his NBA debut. Richardson was allowed to return to the NBA in 1988 but opted to stay overseas and never played in the league again. Richardson called out the NBA, saying there was a racist double standard for his lifetime ban and claiming the association never disciplined Chris Mullin for a supposed alcohol problem.
Years after his playing days, he was reported to have made homophobic and antisemitic comments. Former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who was Jewish, said he had “no doubt” Richardson was not antisemitic but did not defend his reported comments about homosexuals.
Richardson coached two teams in the then-Continental Basketball League before moving to coach in the National Basketball League of Canada.
Michael Ray Richardson of the New York Knicks drives on Don Collins of the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1981 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Richardson played for the Knicks from 1978-82. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
It doesn’t look like Disney-owned channels including ABC and ESPN will be returning to YouTube TV anytime soon. The Walt Disney Co. pulled its channels from YouTube TV as of midnight on Oct. 30 after the two companies failed to reach new terms on their latest carriage agreement. While big sporting events are often where the rubber meets the road on these channel blackouts, YouTube TV subscribers were unable to see any college football games on ABC or ESPN all weekend, and it looks like anyone hoping to watch tonight’s Monday Night Football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys will suffer the same fate: YouTube TV management has officially rebuffed Disney’s request for a 24-hour restoration of its channels in a blog post — ostensibly to offer coverage of Tuesday’s elections — proposing instead that Disney reactivate the feeds for ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue.
YouTube TV had previously stated that if Disney’s channels remain off the platform for an extended period, customers will receive a $20 monthly credit. That’s all fine and good, but if you’re looking to watch tonight’s game or your favorite shows — including Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy and Dancing with the Stars, or Wednesday’s NBA games — you’ll need to seek out alternative viewing methods. And unfortunately for YouTube TV’s negotiating position, there are plenty of options.
One of the cheapest ways to watch ESPN is with a Sling Day Pass — for just $5/day, you can tune into any and all ESPN programming, including Monday Night Football, with no other commitments. If you want a full switch from YouTube TV, there’s Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, or Fubo, where you can watch all the Disney-owned channels. (Remember, unlike a lot of cable plans, you can easily pause or cancel YouTube TV or any of these alternatives, so long as you have month-to-month subscriptions.) If you’re looking for a workaround to watch ESPN, the Disney Channel, ABC and more, here’s are the best options so you won’t miss a moment of sports, news, or entertainment, all pulled from our list of best live TV streaming services to cut cable.
Grab an ESPN bundle so you won’t miss the NFL, NBA or any other games
For $29.99, the ESPN unlimited package includes access to all of ESPN’s linear networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes, plus access to programming on ABC, ESPN+ content, ESPN3, SECN+ and ACCNX. That means fans will get coverage of more than 47,000 live events each year, on-demand replays, original programming and more so you won’t miss a single Monday Night Football game or any weekend college football game on ABC or ESPN’s suite of channels. Plus, you can watch your favorite ABC shows the day after they air.
Right now, for a limited time, you can bundle ESPN unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu and pay $29.99/month for 12 months — that’s like getting those other services free for a year. Even if you’re a current subscriber to Disney+, Hulu or even the bundle, you can still upgrade to this great deal.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels like ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, and access to Disney+ and ESPN select. For a limited time, you can get a hefty discount on the service for 3 months. New and eligible returning subscribers (those who have not been Hulu subscribers in the past month) can sign up for Hulu + Live TV (with ads) for $64.99/month for their first three months. This is an especially great value considering that Hulu and Disney+ increased their prices on Oct. 21.
You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage, the ability to stream on multiple devices and more. This special rate ends at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on Nov. 5.
After the three-month trial period, your subscription will continue at the regular market rate of $89.99, but if you’re looking for an alternative to YouTube TV, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of this deal. (If the YouTube situation is resolved before the weekend is up, you can also just sign up for a 3-day trial of Hulu + Live TV).
Try Fubo free for a week and get $30 your first month
If you’re looking for a stopgap so you won’t miss any major games or shows this weekend, Fubo is offering a free 7-day trial so you can check out everything the platform has to offer, risk-free, and on top of that, you can get $30 off your first month.
Fubo TV gives you access to ESPN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NFL Network, and 100+ more live channels. At $80/month, the live TV streaming service is definitely a big investment but it’s one of the most comprehensive ways to watch live TV including the new NCAA season, the NFL, MLB and more, and still leaves you with major savings compared to a traditional cable package. Fubo subscribers also get 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
Try DirecTV free for 5 days, and get $30 off your first month
DirecTV offers loads of great live channels, which means you can watch thousands of live sporting events, live TV and more with a regular subscription. And right now, for a limited time, you can get a $20 bill credit off your first month when you sign up, plus at least $10 more off per month for your first 24 months with a DirecTV Choice, Ultimate or Premier package — that’s over $250 in savings. You can find information on every package here.
Right now you can also get a free 5-day trial to test out the platform.
You may have heard that Sling offers day, weekend and week passes to its streaming programming for as little as $5 per day. That is an option if you’re looking for just some of the ESPN channels (the Sling Orange tier), but ABC isn’t included. (If you’re just looking to catch one of this week’s big games, like Monday Night Football on ESPN, it’s a great short-term solution.) If you want a longer-term solution, you can get both ESPN and ABC with Sling’s Orange and Blue package ($30 a month to start, $61 thereafter), but you’ll need to add on the Sports Extra package for ESPNU, which requires an additional charge.
Get your local Disney/ABC programming for free
Need your local ABC programming? Your station may have its own free local streaming news channel (many do), you can see if The Roku Channel carries your local station’s news, or download your local news station app if it’s a Nexstar channel.
The other alternative — if you’re within the broadcast radius of a local ABC affiliate — is to get an over-the-air antenna. You can plug in your ZIP code at antennaweb.org to see what channels are in your area. This off-brand unit has worked very well in our initial testing — it’s under $30, and the channels are truly free.
What games are on ESPN/ABC this week?
If you’re wondering what games you might miss as a result of the YouTubeTV/Disney blackout, here’s a list of some upcoming sports you may not want to miss:
Monday, Nov. 3
Monday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
Wednesday, Nov. 5
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
NBA: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Update Nov. 3 2025, 6:36PM ET: This story has been updated to include YouTube TV’s latest response to Disney’s request to restore its channels for just 24 hours.
Although the Greek Freak appears to be starting the 2025-26 season with the only team he has ever known, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins unleashed quite a prediction that he believes will occur for Giannis by season’s end.
“We will not see Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Bucks uniform at the end of this season,” Perkins said.
As the rumor-filled offseason comes to an end, there has been at least one report that would certainly give Perkins’ bold prediction some more substance. Earlier this month, fellow ESPN insider Shams Charania reported that despite several teams expressing interest the New York Knicks were the only team that Antetokounmpo would have played for outside of Milwaukee.
“This offseason marked the first time that Antetokounmpo truly initiated the pursuit of his best external options, and he had discussions with the Bucks that ultimately led to the conversations between the franchise and the Knicks,” Charania wrote.
The nine-time All-NBA superstar remains in his absolute athletic prime even at age 30, and is still capable of powering even a lackluster roster to a 50-ish win season all by himself. Imagine what he could do alongside Jalen Brunson.
Should the Bucks Even Make a Deal in the Wide-Open East?
With the regular season looming, there is nothing stopping the Bucks from following through with a deal that would be more conducive to their franchise ahead of February’s trade deadline, but the Eastern Conference has never looked more wide open.
Superstar Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics will be out for the foreseeable future as he recovers from an Achilles tear, and last year’s winners of the East, the Indiana Pacers, will be without Tyrese Haliburton as he works to return from a torn Achilles tendon of his own.
Anything can happen this season for Milwaukee, but general manager Jon Horst (the 2019 NBA Executive of the Year) will do whatever it takes to position his team to win both now and for years to come.
Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century this spring, the New York Knicks opted to can now-former head coach Tom Thibodeau after five largely productive seasons.
Thibodeau was named Coach of the Year during his inaugural season with New York, 2020-21, and ultimately led the Knicks to their most sustained success since the 1990s.
But New York wanted a leadership change to help lead it to its first NBA Finals since 1999. The Knicks brought in another former two-time Coach of the Year, Mike Brown.
“The biggest thing is trying to make sure you watch everybody’s minutes instead of trying to chase games,” Brown said earlier this week, following a team practice. “There might be some games where maybe you throw the towel in early.”
The Knicks are bringing back all of their top players from 2024-25, but have augmented that group with some appetizing veteran depth to shore up their bench.
Now, All-NBA stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, All-Defensive forwards Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, guards Josh Hart and Miles McBride and center Mitchell Robinson will be joined by power forward Guerschon Yabusele and guard Jordan Clarkson. Non-guaranteed signings Malcolm Brogdon, Landry Shamet (who played on New York last year), and Garrison Mathews are all competing for roster spots, too.
“It’s important to win, but you also have to understand, ‘Hey, I want to keep this guy’s minutes here, this guy’s minutes here, this guy’s minutes here, instead of trying to extend everybody’s minutes,’” Brown said. “Because if the season is long, we don’t want anybody worn out by the end.”
Bondy notes that Brown’s perspective on player minute allocations was changed radically when he joined the Golden State Warriors as the team’s lead assistant for the 2016-17 season. The Warriors were fresh off a record 73-win regular season… where they fell apart in the NBA Finals, despite having a 3-1 series advantage over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr adjusted the way he played his veterans, leading to three more championships during Brown’s tenure on the team.
“It kind of caught up to them [in 2016]. And from that point on, that’s when [Kerr] was like, ‘I’m not going to chase it anymore,’” Brown said. “If we get it, we get it, but I got to make sure for Steph, if we want him to only play 35 minutes or average 35 minutes a game, then that’s what he’s going to average.”
Brown noted that the NBA regular season and playoffs are more of a marathon than a sprint, and suggested that he wants to pace New York’s top players more than Thibodeau had.
“I’ve got to help, too,” Brown observed. “That’s one when I was fortunate, blessed and lucky to be in back-to-back Finals, go a couple of times where you had long seasons and you feel that the next season is right there on you.”
And for college basketball programs , a chance to plan for the beginning of a season that will complement and add to the excitement of the college football matchups in the fall.
After 22–13 record last season — Head Coach Billy Lange has resigned and taken a job with the Knicks.
As a result of his departure , St. Joe’s Basketball will not be attending the 2025 Players’ Era Showcase.
The Player’s Era Showcase is a college basketball tournament held annually by MGM Resorts International. The tournament itself is part of a larger festival — which also affords players name, image, and likeness opportunities (NIL.)
Each participating team will earn substantial compensation (i.e. $1 Million per team). Those funds can then be provided to players for approved (NCAA-compliant) activities.
Ryan has played for four different teams outside of the Knicks. He joined the Knicks last season in late October. He joined the Knicks’ G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, after being selected first overall in the 2024 NBA G League Draft.
A detail is pictured of the New York Knicks uniform and New York Knicks logo during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. A detail is pictured of the New York Knicks uniform and New York Knicks logo during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 27, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images
After going back and forth between the G League and the NBA, Ryan signed a two-way contract in late December. In 19 games with the Knicks, he averaged 1.5 points per game, 0.2 assists and 0.4 rebounds while shooting 32.3 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from deep in 3.6 minutes of action.
Ryan was waived in early March.
Ryan went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft, and after the COVID-19 pandemic limited his prospects, he did not secure a spot in the G League’s bubble during the 2020-21 season.
As for Len, he is coming off a very disappointing back half of the season with the Lakers. The former lottery pick signed with the Lakers in February, and the hope was that he would be a viable big body after the team lost Anthony Davis in the trade for Luka Doncic.
Instead, Len was a disappointment, playing in only 10 games with four starts. In those contests, he averaged 2.2 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.3 blocks in 12.2 minutes of action.
What Type of Role Could Alex Len and Matt Ryan Play for the Knicks?
The Knicks will look to be one of the best teams in the league, and that will certainly be the case in the lowly Eastern Conference. The Knicks team is set, led by star guard Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and Jordan Clarkson.
The reality of Len and Ryan making the team is low, and their chances of cracking the rotation if they make the team are even lower. Nonetheless, injuries occur in the NBA, and at best, Len and Ryan can be utilized as depth pieces for the Knicks.
