The New York Knicks' quarterfinal loss to the Bucks on Tuesday in the In-Season Tournament means the team will travel to Boston to face the Celtics on Friday.
It's the third time this season New York will play Boston, and even after Friday's game, the Knicks will still play the Celtics two more times. It's another tough December contest for New York, who will also face Milwaukee two more times this month (Dec. 23 and 25).
So, to recap, because the Knicks won the wild card, they “earned” the right to play both the Bucks and the Celtics five times this season, with both extra games on the road.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) December 6, 2023
New York will finish the 2023-24 campaign with 42 road contests, and just 40 homes games.
Despite…
Because the Nets didn't make it to the quarterfinals, the NBA added an away game in Atlanta and a home game against Washington to their schedule. The Hawks are the No. 10 team in the East and the Wizards are No. 14, so the Nets actually got an easier schedule than the Knicks.
Except for the championship, all In-Season Tournament games count toward regular season records. Because it's the first year of the IST, it makes sense that there are problems, and scheduling is something that the league needs to take into consideration in 2024-25.
Hopefully, come April, the Knicks' postseason hopes won't be negatively impacted by their tough stretch of games as a result of the IST.
In other news, Adam Silver said on SiriusXM NBA Radio that the NBA hopes to change the draft from a one-night event to two. He added that, hopefully, the change will be implemented in time for 2024's draft.
"We're working on it. And it's something that we have to continue to work through with our network, ESPN and ABC, which broadcast the draft. And then, of course, with the Players Association," Silver said."Adam Silver
Knicks news
- Shams Charania said on Tuesday that New York is monitoring the trade market for a star, something that's been known.
- Jose Alvarado said that if the Pelicans win the IST, he will put away his prize money for his daughters. Josh Hart hilariously responded to Alvarado's plan on social media.
- After New York's loss to Milwaukee, Quentin Grimes opened up about his frustrations with his current role.
NBA news
- Pacers/Bucks will tip off at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN) on Thursday as part of the In-Season Tournament semifinals in Las Vegas. Lakers/Pelicans will tip at 9 p.m. ET (TNT).
- 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis will be here before you know it. Here's what you need to know leading up to the event.