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.
League at Large
A midseason report for seasons to come
Jan 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) directs the offense as he is defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan (12) and guard D’Angelo Russell (1) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
We’re halfway through the NBA season and I’ve seen many of the same points on midseason reports lists. The Sixers being this bad, the Pistons being this good, Russell Westbrook finding such a great fit alongside Nikola Jokic and with the Nuggets — at some point, if we all have the same observations, then we’re not really paying attention.
Not to lean too hard on my own horn, but I thought all these things were going to happen before the season got underway (granted, it does feel excellent that being a perennial Westbrook supporter is paying off). Let’s look instead at some surprises past the surface level of competition this season, into developments and/or plot twists that look like they’ll have a ripple effect beyond the conclusion of this NBA calendar year. We’ll start with two today and get into some others tomorrow.
Leveraging the future for an immediate star
The Suns and Sixers are the obvious examples, but the Warriors, Lakers, Mavericks and Wolves have done this via inaction and slow erosion.
For the Mavs, this season feels like an existential hiccup. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving settling, seemingly well, into a working routine last season and Dallas was a contender in the West. Where the Mavs have slipped to — injuries aside — does seem to be, in part, in working Klay Thompson into the fold. Thompson has struggled at times to find his shot and his place on the floor, he plays at a pace a lot different than either Doncic or Irving do — his previous, forever point guard in Steph Curry was never as frenetic.
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
Trades Jimmy Butler returns to the Heat, says “whole truth will come out” about what’s transpired in Miami (CBS Sports)
Analysis Cooper Flagg, the heralded pick of this year’s NBA Draft, puts exclamation point on his status (The Athletic)
Biz OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault named All-Star coach (ESPN)
Analysis The Knicks must not lose focus with Mitchell Robinson. His role in the team’s success is critical, and maintaining strategic use of his skills will be essential for future victories. (Posting and Toasting)
Fans Knicks bulletin showcases the team looking fantastic and great. Fans are thrilled with the recent performances and the enthusiasm is palpable. (Posting and Toasting)
Analysis Midseason report card grades highlight the performance of every NBA team’s rookie class. The Knicks’ rookies are evaluated, providing insights into their impact and potential growth. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Hawks go head-to-head with the Knicks in New York at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Waiver Wire Wonders: Must-Add Players and Surprising Trends in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) over Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest fantasy basketball waiver wire trends, some surprising names have emerged as the most added players across various platforms.
Stephon Castle is another intriguing name gaining traction. With Jeremy Sochan sidelined, Castle has seen increased opportunities and has capitalized on them. However, I’m skeptical about his long-term value once the Spurs return to full strength.
Wendell Carter Jr. is an interesting case, as his role could expand with Goga Bitadze out. There’s a good chance Carter retains the starting spot even when Bitadze returns, making him a solid speculative add in deeper leagues.
Nick Richards’ Phoenix Suns’ debut was impressive, so grab him if available, but we should also be on the lookout for an efficiency drop.
Hot Players to Watch
Drew Eubanks has emerged as a surprise contributor, ranking as the 61st best player over the past week. While his value is tied to injuries ahead of him, he’s worth monitoring in case his role expands.
Kel’el Ware is a name to keep an eye on, especially if the Heat continue to play him alongside Bam Adebayo. This lineup change could unlock significant fantasy value for the young big man.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the latest fantasy basketball trends, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
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.
