Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Can The Knicks Take Round Two Against OKC?
Jan 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks are gearing up for a rematch against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it’s shaping up to be a battle of epic proportions. As one of the best teams in the East faces off against a Western Conference powerhouse, basketball fans are in for a treat.
In our recent matchup, the Thunder managed to pull off a victory, but it was a close game that could have gone either way. The Knicks showed their mettle, proving they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. However, there are key adjustments we need to make to secure a win in the upcoming game.
One of the most crucial factors in our previous encounter was the shooting performance. The Thunder’s role players had an exceptional night from beyond the arc, with Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Lu Dort all contributing to their team’s impressive 14-for-27 three-point shooting. In contrast, the Knicks struggled, going 9-for-32 from deep. Flipping this script will be essential for our success in the rematch.
The Brunson Factor
Jalen Brunson, our floor general, had an interesting game against the Thunder. While his scoring output wasn’t at its usual level, he excelled as a playmaker, bending the defense and creating opportunities for his teammates. We can expect Brunson to bounce back with a stronger scoring performance in the upcoming game, adding another dimension to our offense.
Depth and Minutes Management
One area where the Thunder had an advantage was their depth. They’ve embraced a “next man up” mentality, which has served them well, especially considering they were missing key players like Chet Holmgren. For the Knicks, managing minutes and utilizing our bench effectively will be crucial. We need to find a balance between pushing our starters and preserving their energy for crucial moments.
The upcoming game against the Thunder is more than just a regular-season matchup – it’s a test of our championship aspirations. With the right adjustments and a strong team effort, we have everything we need to come out on top.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks-Thunder rivalry, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
• The impact of OG Anunoby on the Knicks’ defense
• Strategies for containing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
• The importance of winning the possession battle against OKC
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) reacts after making a three point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Intuit Dome. | Kiyoshi Mio/Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard left the Clippers behind in Denver on Wednesday, he travelled solo back to Los Angeles to meet his family as they evacuated their home in the Pacific Palisades. As of Thursday, the Palisades Fire — the biggest of the five separate fires burning in L.A. — has scorched through close to 20,000 acres of land, homes, buildings and infrastructure. Leonard’s family and their home are safe, and because natural disasters thankfully still trump the audience demand for athlete participation, Leonard’s also able to be away from the team and focus on what’s most important.
Not to draw too flimsy a point between disaster and basketball, but Leonard’s return to the Clippers had been top of mind for me prior to the fires, and his necessary absence now offers another lens to view his prolonged absence this season.
After he was pulled from Team USA’s Olympic play this summer, Leonard underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee. It’s same knee he had surgically repaired after an ACL tear in 2021 and a meniscus tear in April 2023, as well as the quad injury that eventually led to him parting ways with the Spurs over concerns of recovery mismanagement.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Must Read Steve Kerr and JJ Redick share the impact of the Los Angeles fires on their families’ lives. (ESPN)
Biz Aging NBA stars like Jimmy Butler may be in for a rude awakening. (Forbes)
Preview The Knicks face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. This matchup will test New York’s defensive strategies. Check out the game preview for detailed analysis and key player matchups.
Analysis Despite criticisms, Coach Tom Thibodeau continues to lead the Knicks effectively. His defensive schemes and player development are key factors in the team’s success. Explore the full analysis of Thibs’ impact.
Ranking With the trade deadline approaching, the Knicks are positioned in the middle of the pack. Their performance has been steady, but potential trades could shake things up. Dive into the latest power rankings for a comprehensive evaluation. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Oklahoma City Thunder will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Friday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Slate: Injury Updates and Streaming Options
Jan 8, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) drives against Washington Wizards forward Richaun Holmes (22) during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NBA action continues with seven games on tap for Friday, and there’s no shortage of intriguing storylines to follow. Let’s dive into the key matchups and player situations that fantasy managers need to keep an eye on.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Pelicans-Sixers matchup is plagued by absences on both sides. For New Orleans, Herb Jones (shoulder), Brandon Ingram, and Trey Murphy (ankle) are all sidelined. However, Zion Williamson is set to return after sitting out the previous game. The Sixers will continue to be without Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond, and KJ Martin.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic
The Magic are on a back-to-back, while the Bucks are in a favorable schedule spot. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton are all listed as probable for Milwaukee. Orlando will be without Gary Harris, and Jalen Suggs is expected to remain sidelined. Paolo Banchero is reportedly set to return for this game.
NBA East Squad: Luka Doncic Shocking Trade, Jimmy Butler Rumors, and a Bulls Full Reset
In this episode of the Locked On NBA Eastern Conference Squad Show, hosts Sean Woodley, Tony East, Danny Cunningham, Wes Goldberg, and others discuss the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Lakers. They analyze the Mavericks’ decision-making process and potential motivations behind the trade. The conversation shifts to Eastern Conference trade rumors, focusing on Jimmy Butler’s potential move from the Miami Heat. The panel explores possible destinations for Butler and speculates on other teams’ trade deadline strategies, including the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round where hosts predict player-team pairings for the upcoming trade deadline, offering insights into potential moves across the league.
Jalen Brunson ANNIHILATES The Houston Rockets In A Big New York Knicks Win
Gavin Schall is joined by Geoff Rasmussen the co-host of the fantastic Hot Hand Theory Podcast to discuss Jalen Brunson’s heroics in a thrilling Knicks win over the Houston Rockets. Gavin and Geoff dive deep into a lineup change that helped key Brunson’s electric final minutes, the health, play and long term plan for Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges propping up the Knicks with his two way play and a scintillating 1st half run for Ariel Hukporti.
OG Anunoby Seemingly Avoids Serious Injury... And LUKA IS A LAKER???
Alex and Gavin break down the weekend that was for the Knicks, which featured a let-down loss to the Lakers and an OG Anunoby injury scare -- luckily, one that seems to be more of the “sprain” variety than something more severe. But first, the guys need to talk about maybe the most shocking NBA trade of all time, with Luka Doncic going to the Lakers and Anthony Davis heading to the Mavericks.
