New York opens the title defense tonight at the Garden against the 76ers on NBC and Peacock with a clean injury report and four days of rest. The figures behind this roster say champion, and they also say the bill has come due.
Plus-6.4, Fifth Best
Last season the Knicks scored 118.7 points per 100 possessions and allowed 112.3, third on offense and seventh on defense, and that margin was fifth in the league. It carried a 53-29 record, the NBA Cup and the first banner since 1973. What it does not prove is anything about tonight. The record is 0-0, and the preseason included a 98-148 loss in Toronto on October 13 that nobody in the building wants to see again.
Brunson's 26.0
Jalen Brunson played 74 games last season and averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists on 36.9 percent from three. Karl-Anthony Towns gave 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds in 75 games. Josh Hart pulled 7.4 rebounds a night and shot 41.3 percent from deep, and he was cleared on October 19 after an ankle scare. Those are the engines. They do not prove depth: Miles McBride played only 41 games, and the bench behind him is Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado.
$220.4M Over the Line
The payroll stands at $220.4 million, above the first apron, with the tax line at $200.4 million. Towns earns $57.1 million, OG Anunoby $42.5 million, Brunson $37.7 million, Mikal Bridges $33.5 million. The 2027 and 2029 first-round picks belong to Brooklyn, and 2028 is a swap. That is why Drew Eubanks, Tony Bradley, Ochai Agbaji and Bruce Brown are gone. Towns' extension talks remain paused, and he was described on October 11 as very disappointed. The money proves the window is now. It does not prove ownership will keep paying for it.
Philly's Minus-0.1
The 76ers went 45-37 last season with 114.3 scored and 114.4 allowed per 100, a coin flip of a team. Tyrese Maxey averaged 28.3 points, Jaylen Brown 28.7, LeBron James 20.9 with 7.2 assists. Joel Embiid played 38 games. Anfernee Simons is day-to-day with a hamstring. Philadelphia also beat New York 97-120 on October 5 in the preseason. Those numbers prove Nick Nurse has scorers. They do not prove he has a defense, and the Knicks' 97.7 pace means fewer possessions to hide in.
Four Days, Then Boston
New York has had four days off before tonight, with two games in the previous week, and nobody is on the injury list. Then it goes to Boston on Friday, hosts Orlando on Sunday and Detroit next Tuesday. The center spot is Towns, Andre Drummond and James Wiseman after Bradley went to the Jazz on waivers. The rest proves the legs are fresh. Only the opener proves whether the preseason meant anything. A champion carrying a plus-6.4 owes the Garden a real one tonight.
Is Josh Hart playing in the Knicks' opener against the 76ers?
Yes, as far as the status goes. Hart was cleared on October 19 after a right ankle issue, and the Knicks have no one on the injury list for tonight.
Are the Knicks over the luxury tax this season?
Yes. The payroll is $220.4 million against a tax line of $200.4 million, which puts New York above the first apron.
