Knicks at Blazers Preview: How, Who to Watch as Big East-Induced Western Swing Begins
The Big East is pushing the New York Knicks west.
The annual college tournament's descent upon Madison Square Garden has led to a four-game road trip for the Knicks, one that opens on Thursday night against the woebegone Portland Trail Blazers. It's a stretch that starts simple enough before working its way through Sacramento, Golden State, and Denver.
With the homestretch of the 2023-24 season in full swing, the Knicks have hunkered down defensively, allowing fewer than 80 points in three consecutive games for the first time since 2000 after downing the Philadelphia 76ers by a 106-79 final on Tuesday at MSG.
The Knicks welcomed back OG Anunoby to the fold after an 18-game medical absence and enjoyed the fourth triple-double from former Blazer Josh Hart, who put up 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. New York has a prime opportunity to end a rather dubious streak on Thursday, as it has not won consecutive games since a nine-victory tally between Jan. 17 and Feb. 1.
Destined to miss the Western Conference playoffs for the third consecutive occasion, Portland is coming off a victorious Wednesday, clipping the Atlanta Hawks 106-102. The Blazers will look to avenge a 112-84 loss sustained at MSG back on Jan. 9, one that saw Anunoby pace the Knicks with 23 points. New York and Portland have split each of their last four yearly couples but the Knicks haven't earned a sweep in a two-game set since the 1999-2000 campaign.
What: New York Knicks (38-27) @ Portland Trail Blazers (19-46)
Where: Moda Center, Portland, OR
When/Watch: Thursday, 10 p.m. ET, MSG
Who's Favored: NYK -7.5
Keep An Eye On: Precious Achiuwa
With reinforcements starting to trickle back into the Knicks' lineup and head coach Tom Thibodeau known for strict adherence to his rotation, it's worth wondering what will happen to those who helped New York tread water while Anunoby, Randle, etc. healed. Achiuwa wound up being the first casualty, removed from the starting lineup on Tuesday when his fellow former Canadian returned. He nonetheless proved to be a valuable asset off the bench, scoring 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting in the win over the Sixers. On paper, the Knicks should have one of the deepest 11-man sets in the Association when they're back at full strength. Achiuwa is proof that there could be merit to that theory.
Blazer to Watch: Deandre Ayton
Anytime you've inserted yourself in the same conversation/sentence as one featuring Bill Walton, you've definitely done something unique on the basketball circuit. Ayton joined Walton in a Blazer brotherhood on Wednesday night: with a dominant effort against the Hawks, Ayton became the first Pacific Northwest rep to put up at least 80 points and 50 rebounds in a three-game stretch since Walton did so in 1976. Considering the way the Knicks have maintained seemingly perpetual motion in the interior, Ayton will likely be relied upon for a big game if Portland has visions of any sort of upset.
Wendell Cruz, USA TODAY SPORTS
They Said It
“He’s back, our savior is back. (laughs) It’ll be good on both sides of the court, (he's) someone who spaces the court with his shooting, and obviously, defensively he’s a juggernaut, someone who definitely is going to help us on both sides of the ball.”-Josh Hart on OG Anunoby's return (h/t Peter Botte, New York Post)
Prediction
The Big East-induced road trip should be an interesting experience for the Knicks, as Thursday is a trap game before facing three consecutive high-profile contenders. With Anunoby back in tow and the Blazers working through the latter portion of a back-to-back, there's a prime opportunity to get things started on a major high note. Expect them to take full advantage against a Portland group simply counting down the hours until elimination.
