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3 Teams that would be perfect for Knicks to play on opening night

By Jordanna Clark

May 6, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to dribble the ball as New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) defends during the second half of game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) looks to dribble the ball as New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) defends during the second half of game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks’ roster could look different by the start of the 2023-24 season, but regardless, fans have been eagerly awaiting opening night since the team was eliminated in the playoffs. Even if the Knicks don’t make significant changes to their current roster, there’s still reason to be excited about what the new season will bring.

Fans will get the chance to watch Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, RJ Barrett, and even Evan Fournier play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup to tide them over until 2023-24. There’s still a lot of anticipation to see Brunson in a New York uniform again after the season he put together in 2022-23.

The Knicks are coming off a thrilling season that ended with the No. 5 seed in the East and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time in 10 years. New York should no longer be viewed as nothing more than a play-in tournament team, meaning the NBA could start the 2023-24 season off with a bang by having New York play one of these three opponents on opening night.

3 teams that would be perfect for Knicks to play on 2023-24 opening night

3: Miami Heat

The Knicks ended the 2022-23 season with a loss to the Heat, so why not try to start 2023-24 off with a win over the Heat? New York and Miami renewed their rivalry with an unexpected matchup in the second round of the playoffs. The Heat were battered from injuries, but maybe that series would’ve ended differently if Julius Randle had been healthy.

Miami is in the race for Damian Lillard, so he could be the Heat’s starting point guard on opening night. Knicks fans no longer need to worry about Gabe Vincent and Max Strus lighting New York up together, but if Dame’s on the team, he’ll be on a completely different level. After all, it’d be his first time playing a game for Miami.

Erik Spoelstra and the Heat had the Knicks’ number in the playoffs, so maybe after five months, Tom Thibodeau could combat the Heat’s game plan. At least New York will have a much-needed source of three-point shooting in Donte DiVincenzo this time around.

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