Jalen Brunson went under his assist prop in all three games against Cleveland last season, only averaging four per game. One of the things new head coach Mike Brown will do is utilize the bench more, playing nine to 10 players a game while limiting the main players minutes. Brown might utilize the bench even more tonight with no Josh Hart, Mitchell Robinson, and Karl Anthony-Towns should be available. While Brunson is the primary ball handler, he could be playing more off-ball this season with a deeper bench and more players to serve as the back-up point guard.

The Knicks could be really short-handed in the post tonight with Mitchell Robinson and rebounding-machine Josh Hart out and Karl-Anthony Towns now doubtful. Someone has to rebound and score a little in the paint vs. the Cavs (short-handed a bit as well). Guerschon Yabusele was a rare piece of good news on the 2024-25 Sixers, playing so well that they couldn't afford him in free agency and scooped up by the Knicks. He should get heavy minutes tonight barring injury or fouls.