The Knicks open a back-to-back tonight against a Detroit team that has not lost. Mikal Bridges has not made a three in three games, and this team has no margin left to carry him.
Backcourt Thins Out
Jose Alvarado flipped from day-to-day to out on October 26, his left ankle still the problem. His listed return is October 28, the night New York plays in Chicago. Tonight Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Tyler Kolek have to cover the guard minutes behind Jalen Brunson.
The Bridges Problem
Bridges logged 35 minutes against Orlando. He shot 3 of 7, went 0 of 3 from deep and posted a minus-23, the worst mark on either side. Across three games he averages 3.3 points and has yet to hit a three. Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post wrote that this familiar slump means more this year. The Knicks pay him $33.5M. They need a wing, not a spectator.
Detroit Comes Hot
The Pistons are 3-0 with a 118.7 offensive rating and a 106.4 defensive rating. Cade Cunningham averages 21.3 points and 8.0 assists, and Duncan Robinson adds 19.7 points. Jalen Duren will miss the game with a right hamstring injury. Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Joe are day-to-day. The game airs on NBC and Peacock, then New York goes to Chicago for the second night.
Bottom Line
New York is 0-3, 13th in the conference and one game behind Orlando for 10th. Brunson told ESPN's Vincent Goodwill that the sputtering offense falls on him. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post wrote that Andre Drummond bristled after being benched for lack of effort. The open question is simple: does Bridges take some of the weight tonight, or does Brunson keep hauling a team sitting at minus-7.2 per 100 possessions?
Is Jose Alvarado playing tonight against the Pistons?
No. His left ankle has him listed out, and his projected return date is October 28, when the Knicks visit Chicago.
When do the Knicks play next after Detroit?
They play at Chicago on October 28 to finish the back-to-back, then at Philadelphia on October 30 in an Emirates NBA Cup game.
