So, as I am sure you have all seen by now, the Knicks schedule was released a couple of days ago and I have spent this time painstakingly reviewing it to project what the Win/Loss record will look like. Below is the first 10 (of the released 37) games before the All Star break and how I see them playing out.
WED, DEC 23-AWAY
@
Indiana Pacers
Win: That's right. I think the Knicks come out of the gate and pick up a win agains Indy. I know they were a good team last year winning 45 games but not knowing how Oladipo will look in first game action in quite some time, this would be a good message to the league that we are not going to Fade for Cade and play for the #1 overall pick next year.
SAT,DEC 26-HOME
VS
Philadelphia 76ers
Loss- This is either going to be a close game or a blowout. I don't trust the mental of Simmons and Embiid and if the Knicks play with some tenacity it could shake their confidence, and if this was last season I would even give the Knicks the W here but I think with the calming demeanor and leadership of Doc Rivers on the bench, the Sixers win.
SUN,DEC 27-HOME
VS
Milwaukee Bucks
Loss- Remember when Giannis dunked so hard KP tore his ACL for the first time... Or when he dunked OVER Tim Hardaway Jr like he was Vince Carter over Fredrick Weiss in the Olympics... I see no reason to assume anything better will happen for the Knicks on this night.
TUE,DEC 29-AWAY
@
Cleveland Cavaliers
Win- The Cavs are also not good. Kevin Love and Andre Drummond (offensively) are not going to be an X-factor and we have enough point guards to slow down Garland and Sexton. Rookie Isaac Okoro could be a defensive problem but he might be the only one. This game will give Mitch a good chance to stretch Drummond outside the paint and work on those 3's we've been seeing all offseason in those workout tapes.
THU,DEC 31-AWAY
@
Toronto (Tampa) Raptors
Loss- Toronto is still a really good team. Well rounded and talented. This will be a good barometer for how the Knicks can grow with their draft selections and turn into a playoff team in a few seasons.
SAT,JAN 02- AWAY
@
Indiana Pacers
Loss- Lightning will not strike twice.
MON,JAN 04- AWAY
@
Atlanta Hawks
Win- Just like the Knicks last game of the 2019-20 season and Vince Carter's last career game, I think the Knicks lock down Trigger Trae to pick up a close win.
WED,JAN 06- HOME
VS
Utah Jazz
Loss- Spider Mitchell just got paid. Now it's time he shows he is worth the money and can bury the teams he is supposed to. He drops a 50 piece tonight in an audition for Leon to make a huge blockbuster trade for him.
FRI,JAN 08-HOME
VS
Oklahoma City Thunder
Win- Getting rid of CP3 pretty much cemented the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking toward a complete rebuild that will likely take more than one season. As long as the Knicks don't play down to their opponents, this should be a strong win for the 'Bockers
SUN,JAN 10-HOME
VS
Denver Nuggets
Loss- Jamal Murray and the Joker are still on the team, still underrated and still ready to show the league they believe they are a top contender in the west.
So there you have it, through the first 10 games I have the Knicks at a very hopeful 4-6. The start of the season will be a chance to surprise some teams that are underestimating them and pick up some wins. The schedule certainly won't get any easier so tune back in for the next 10 games as I work the first half of the season and our matchups. I love the debates and to hear your how you see the beginning of the season going. Make sure to keep the conversation going on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook