Overview
- The Knicks kept their full five-player championship starting lineup and will raise their banner at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Oct. 20, when they open the season against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.
- A recent survey of NBA general managers reported by ClutchPoints showed 93% of votes going to the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs as the teams most likely to win this season.
- Preseason prediction markets cited by Deadspin put the Thunder at about a 23% title chance, the Spurs at roughly 22%, and the Knicks near 8%, reflecting lower betting support for New York.
- The offseason reshaped the East when LeBron James signed with the 76ers to join Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, while Oklahoma City traded Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins for draft capital.
- The league’s recent parity — eight different champions in eight seasons — plus OKC general manager Sam Presti’s admission that trading depth shortens the Thunder’s margin for error underscore why continuity and health will matter most for New York’s repeat bid.