The New York Knicks will play five games on national television in 2018-19. Let’s rank them based on the probability of a New York victory.
The NBA officially unveiled the schedule last week. It featured all the usual hallmarks of the league year, from enticing contests on opening night to intriguing games on Christmas Day.
As a big market team, the odds were always high that the New York Knicks would pop up on national television from time-to-time. Despite their recent struggles (and the potential absence of Kristaps Porzingis for the year), people want to see the team play, whether to cheer them on or mock them mercilessly.
New York will play on national television five times this season. Here are the odds of them winning those five games, from worst-to-best.
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5. Thursday, December 6 at Boston Celtics, 8:00 pm ET (TNT)
With the Cleveland Cavaliers in a weakened state, the Boston Celtics are now widely considered the best team in the Eastern Conference. They were practically that last year, despite limited returns from Kyrie Irving and no returns from Gordon Hayward due to injury. Pencil this in as a loss at TD Garden.
4. Friday, February 1 vs Boston Celtics, 7:30 pm ET (ESPN)
Well, at least this one’s at home. The Knicks play the Dallas Mavericks at home two days before, so they may have some momentum headed in to this game. The best they can hope for, however, is that the Celtics are active during the trade deadline, leaving a roster in need of some time to jell.
3. Friday, January 11 vs Indiana Pacers, 7:30 pm ET (ESPN)
The Indiana Pacers proved last season that they’re no slouches with Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner behind the wheel. While they’ll have some rest, the Knicks will be coming off a road trip that takes them to Milwaukee, Utah, Denver, Los Angeles (Lakers), Portland, and concludes with the Golden State Warriors. That’s demoralizing.
2. Wednesday, October 31 vs Indiana Pacers, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN)
Is Reggie Miller coming out of retirement? There’s no real reason for there to be two national television games between Indiana and New York this season. At least this one’s on Halloween, so fans will be drunk on candy before the game even begins. Maybe the Pacers will be too.
1. Tuesday, December 25 vs Milwaukee Bucks, 12:00 pm ET (ESPN)
The most winnable game on the Knicks’ national TV schedule comes right in time for the holidays. The Milwaukee Bucks are brimming with potential, but also have been for several years without a breakthrough. New York has three full days off before this contest (and plays the Atlanta Hawks before that).
National television games won’t be too fun for the Knicks this season, but at least they’ll provide a different level of exposure for the team.