Knicks Backed to Rebound vs. Pistons Amid Title Hangover

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Game Time Decisions

Knicks Backed to Rebound as Questions Surround Miami’s Roster

The Knicks look like a classic championship hangover team. They are still celebrating last season’s title, and the magnitude of that championship made it difficult to expect them to be fully focused at the start of this season. They have opened 0-3 and have yet to cover a game.

New York hosts Detroit after blowing a 10-point lead against Orlando on Sunday. The Magic closed the game on a 35-16 run, handing the Knicks another loss. Despite New York laying between three and a half and four points, this could be the night the Knicks finally get a win and cover.

Detroit beat New York in all three meetings last season by an average of more than 25 points. That history could provide the motivation the Knicks need to break out of their early-season funk.

Although the Knicks emerged as the best team in the NBA as last season’s playoffs progressed, they were still viewed as a fortunate champion. Unlike other recent title winners that appeared capable of repeating, New York felt more like a potential one-and-done champion. Betting against the Knicks throughout the season could make sense because their lines are likely to be inflated, particularly in October and November.

Losses to Boston and Philadelphia are understandable because both are tough opponents. The loss to Orlando without Ben Carro was far more difficult to explain.

Miami faces a different set of concerns. The Heat currently lack dependable options off the bench, but the organization has consistently found unknown players and developed them into major contributors. Max Strus, Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside were cited as examples of players who emerged in Miami and later received significant contracts.

The Heat could eventually uncover another contributor similar to Jaime Jaquez, but that process will take time. The concern is whether Miami will bury itself in the standings before those players emerge.

There are also questions about whether Bam Adebayo and Giannis can play effectively together. Having two big players sharing one basketball and operating in the same lane currently appears to be Miami’s biggest problem. The situation could improve within a month, but there is reason to remain skeptical about whether this roster can contend for a championship.

Miami could still find a path by winning more than 40 games, reaching the play-in and getting hot at the right time. However, the expanded NBA playoff format rewards teams near the back end of the standings. Baseball should avoid following that model, even if it eventually adds more games.