Game Preview: Knicks vs Kings, 2/25/2021

Let’s talk about monarchies. I hate ‘em.

By Jonathan Schulman@aighttho Feb 25, 2021, 4:03pm EST

Last time these two teams got together, the Knicks had just laid waste to Golden State. Now, fresh off a loss to the Dubs, New York is facing the Kings, losers of eight consecutive. It would be nice to get right back into their winning ways while getting a little revenge for what happened back in Sacramento.

The show continues no matter what and this time the Knicks don’t have someone who is playing like an All Star, they have an actual factual one as Julius Randle was named to the reserves since we last spoke. That means he’ll be part of the festivities in Atlanta, where an “economic pandemic” is taking hold of the NBA.

With league revenue down 30-40%, Silver spoke on some economics behind the decision:

“While there’s a health emergency in this country, there’s also an economic crisis, so I think that’s sort of, for us, the ongoing tension."
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) February 25, 2021

If COVID-19 hasn’t been an ongoing tension in everything that goes on in your life, perhaps you’ve lost the plot here. As I mentioned on Tuesday, I really do hope everyone can minimize their risks as much as possible and get vaccinated as soon as it’s available. There are some assuredly encouraging signs around the way.

BREAKING: The United Center will become a massive COVID-19 vaccination site capable of inoculating 5,000 to 7,000 people a day. https://t.co/whO6XCHpRh
— Crain's Chicago Business (@CrainsChicago) February 25, 2021

If me hoping for the greater part of societal health is a bit too much for you in these trying times, like it was for this flat brain here:

I didn’t make you read it you internet ball squeezing bitch. Fuck yourself
— not (@aighttho) February 24, 2021

I assure you, the thinning herd will accept you into the fading light of its arms. Goodnight.

Projected Starters

Looks like no Elfrid Payton for the Knicks tonight. Does that mean Tom Thibodeau will be forced to put a little more shooting on the floor, dare I say, in crunch time?

Elfrid Payton is doubtful for tomorrow’s game vs SAC due to a hamstring ailment, Knicks say. Nerlens Noel (ankle) is probable.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 25, 2021

If I had to venture a guess and- oh look, I do...

Derrick Rose v De’Aaron Fox

Reggie Bullock v Buddy Hield

RJ Barrett v Harrison Barnes

Julius Randle v Marvin Bagley III

Nerlens Noel v Richaun Holmes

I miss Mitchell Robinson. Let’s look at someone he reminds me of. One King...

And one Knick...

1999 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 3: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks

Keys & Predictions

In their game in Sacramento, Julius Randle failed to strike the balance that has become customary. He often held the ball too long and, while he was able to bulldoze his way through the frail framed Marvin Bagley, it seemed to lead to awkward catastrophes. That eventually led to the Knicks second unit unable to work with a lead and eventually the Kings got hot and put the game out of reach.

De’Aaron Fox is still a huge problem for this group. The simply have no one that can stay connected with him. The old and getting older, Derrick Rose, has looked spry upon entering games, but he seems to stiffen up as the minutes wear on his tired legs. Even if my favorite friend, Frank Ntilikina, saw floor time, he has trouble containing those speed demon guards. Something tells me this isn’t an ideal matchup for New York at this moment. It’s a team they should beat, at home. Dangerously close to Friday curse day.

Knicks by -3

Parting Shot

This win could be a crucial one because I don’t know if you’ve seen the second half of the schedule but whooooboy! Let’s go Knicks! Sprint through the finish.