The Knicks can’t beat the top three teams in the league. Can they beat number four?
The Knicks kick off a tough stretch in their schedule tonight, on the heels of a 110-105 victory versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Seven of their next eight games are on the road, and New York will have to win games against strong teams away from home. First up on the itinerary tonight? Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
Once again, Jalen Brunson helped the Knicks avoid disaster on Wednesday night. After squandering a 19 point lead, New York found themselves down 102-98 with just under three minutes to play.
Enter Jalen Brunson.
JALEN BRUNSON IN THE CLUTCH pic.twitter.com/63wRI67lA9
— ESPN (@espn) February 27, 2025
Brunson went on a personal 9-0 run to help seal the deal. The heroics were in full effect, and it was an exciting way to avoid a disastrous loss. New York survived, winning 110-105.
Tonight, the wheels are up in favor of Memphis, Tennessee.
The Grizzlies, if you recall, got torn apart by the Knicks on January 27th, by the score of 143-106. Let me refresh your memory.
PAIR OF HUGE SLAMS IN NEW YORK
Achiuwa & McBride throw down MASSIVE dunks in the 4th to cap off a brilliant @nyknicks win! pic.twitter.com/ClYwtoACsB
— NBA (@NBA) January 28, 2025
That being said, Memphis is 38-20, the exact same record as New York. That’s good enough for second in the West, and they’re fresh off of a 151-148 barnburner of an overtime win over the Phoenix Suns. Take into account that the Grizzlies are 22-6 at home, and the Knicks may have their hands full tonight.
On the injury front, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson are all listed as questionable headed into tonight. Hart was good to go on Wednesday; hopefully he gives it a go tonight.
Unfortunately, Ariel Hukporti went down with a torn left meniscus in his knee, and is expected to miss some time.
New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti has suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks, sources tell ESPN. Hukporti sustained the injury in his first start Wednesday night, posting 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block. pic.twitter.com/LqHuxvjx4L
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 27, 2025
This means that all three centers on the Knicks roster are currently battling injuries. It would be not only encouraging, but also timely, to see Mitchell Robinson make his season debut tonight. He’s traveling with the team, and expects to make his first appearance of the season at some point this weekend. If not, KAT’s status will be important to monitor.
Prediction
I feel cautiously optimistic about tonight’s game.
Memphis is one of those teams that kills during the regular season, but won’t be taken as a serious championship contender until it translates into playoff success. It’s a good chance for the Knicks to make a statement, and the game should be in a winnable spot down the stretch. New York needs to make a statement here, and after back-to-back blowouts versus the Cavs and Celtics, it’s winning time.
Look out for more Brunson heroics tonight.
Game Details
Date: Friday, February 28th, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
TV Broadcast: MSG
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