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New York Knicks: Final stretch of games starts now

By Rob Wolkenbrod

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 11: New York Knicks react form the bench during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 11: New York Knicks react form the bench during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11, 2019 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will kick off their final 24 games with a home matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After seven days off, the New York Knicks will return to the court on Friday, Feb. 22, for a primetime game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It starts the 2018-19 season’s final stretch of games, with just over one-fourth of this campaign remaining for the postseason-less Knicks.

For some Knicks, their break was shorter. Kevin Knox participated in the Rising Stars Challenge, playing for Team USA. Dennis Smith Jr. entered Saturday’s Slam Dunk Contest, losing in the final round to Hamidou Diallo.

However, with time off for this 11-47 squad, they can return fresh for whatever these final 24 games hold over the next six weeks.

Players on brand new contracts will accompany New York for this game. Henry Ellenson reportedly agreed to a 10-day deal Tuesday, while John Jenkins‘ own, identical agreement was upgraded to a two-year contract with a partial guarantee for 2019-20.

There were open roster spaces after the Kristaps Porzingis trade and the waiving of Enes Kanter and Wesley Matthews. So Jenkins and Ellenson should receive opportunities to shine, much like other reclamation projects have throughout 2018-19.

With the rest of the roster, the Mitchell Robinson Experience will return. His play ascended once February began, averaging 11.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. It’s as DeAndre Jordan‘s backup, too.

Sky’s the limit for the rookie center, who entered the NBA as a project, after not playing collegiate basketball. He’s only scratching the surface of whatever potential is ahead, and the Knicks may have a keeper in this “developmental” era.

Smith Jr. also impressed in his brief stint. He has two 25-plus point games and the latest performance was 19 points and seven assists on 7-for-10 shooting.

Will the point guard job remain his? Emmanuel Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina were out with injuries when the North Carolina State product arrived. After season-long struggles, at a disparaging record, they might have lost the chance to start.

Next. 2019 NBA Mock Draft, All-Star break edition. dark

Game information on the Knicks and Timberwolves are below, including the start time, TV info and alternate way to view this matchup:

Date: Friday, Feb. 22
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Manhattan, NY
Venue: Madison Square Garden
TV info: FSN, MSG
Other: NBA League Pass

The Knicks and Timberwolves will play on FSN and MSG. For those outside the New York and Minnesota markets, this game can be seen on NBA League Pass, but for a subscription price. See which package best fits your interests.

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