The New York Knicks have lost eight of their last 11, but they have should have reinforcements for a brutal road stretch coming up.
Ever since Tim Hardaway Jr. was sidelined with a lower-left leg injury, the New York Knicks have struggled. They’ve gone 8-11 since Hardaway played his last game on Nov. 29. But they are missing their second-leading scorer more and more every game. At one point, they were actually 5-3 without him, but have gone 3-8 since and face a brutal road stretch to finish the month of January. The best thing you can say is that they managed to keep their head above water and within striking distance of a playoff spot without Hardaway.
The Knicks are in desperate need of THJ, but there is some good news. According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, via Twitter, “There’s no specific timetable for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return but he says he hasn’t felt any discomfort in his left leg in the morning after recent workouts, which have included contact.” The 25-year old guard from Michigan is starting to look healthier and although there is no timetable yet, his return should give the Knicks the boost of energy they need as they surge towards the All-Star break.
There’s no specific timetable for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return but he says he hasn’t felt any discomfort in his left leg in the morning after recent workouts, which have included contact.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 9, 2018
Tim Hardaway Jr. seems to be moving well during a workout with assistant coach Corey Gaines after practice: pic.twitter.com/GhHZydd3nI
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 9, 2018
Beasley Still Hurting
Your favorite player’s favorite player, Michael Beasley was inactive Sunday night against the Dallas Mavericks due to a left ankle sprain. According to Begley, Beasley is questionable for Wednesday night’s game against Chicago.
Tim Hardaway Jr. was a full participant in practice today. Michael Beasley (ankle) was limited in practice and is questionable for tomorrow.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 9, 2018
More Backcourt Help On The Way?
Trey Burke may be another addition to the Knicks roster sooner rather than later. ESNY’s Jonathan Macri explored some of the pros and cons coming with a potential signing of Trey Burke coming.
The addition of all three of these players could be exactly what this team needs to jumpstart it as they approach the midway point of the season. All three will be able to provide scoring that will take pressure off of Kristaps Porzingis.
G-League Showcase
The Westchester Knicks are in Mississauga, Ontario to take part in the G-League Showcase. According to Begley, the Knicks are assigning Damyean Dotson to Westchester in order to take part in the showcase.
Knicks assigned Damyean Dotson to Westchester for the NBA G League Showcase (Jan. 10-13). He’ll re-join the Knicks after the showcase.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 9, 2018
The G-League Showcase is the biggest and most important scouting weekend for the G-League and its players. It allows teams to get a sense of how well the young guys around the league are developing. It also allows teams to show off their young talent and any possible trade chips. It’s not entirely clear whether the Knicks would be willing to move Dotson and they may be sending him down to get added reps.
This four-day showcase also allows players the opportunity to audition for 10-day contracts with NBA teams. G-League players can sign two consecutive 10-day contracts with an NBA team in an attempt to catch on with the right team at the right time. Jeremy Lin was once a 10-day contract success story known as Linsanity.
Knicks forward Lance Thomas wrote about 10-day contracts and the D-League two summers ago for the Player’s Tribune. It’s definitely an insightful look into life for the NBA players who are forced to bounce around the league from team to team.
The Knicks are playing twice in the G-League Showcase. Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET against the Rio-Grande Valley Vipers, the Houston Rockets affiliate and Friday night at 6 p.m. ET against the Agua Caliente Clippers, the Los Angeles Clippers affiliate.
Home Sweet Home
The Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night to face the Chicago Bulls. This is coming off of three straight road games, where the Knicks nearly fell to the Mavericks, but ultimately managed to execute down the stretch and secure their fourth road win of the season.
Chicago’s 14-27 record is deceptive. Since a 3-20 start, the Bulls have won 11 of their last 18. One of those wins came against the Knicks on December 27th when the Bulls managed to beat New York 92-87.
The Knicks hope to get revenge on their home floor and win consecutive games for the first time since Dec. 14.
Other Knicks News, Stories
- ESNY’s Justin Birnbaum discusses New Year’s Resolutions for the Knicks.
- How much has this team missed Tim Hardaway Jr.? ESNY’s Jonathan Macri how much this team has missed Tim Hardaway Jr. breaks it down for you.
- Finally, ESNY’s Robbie Stratakos examines Kristaps Porzingis’ recent comments about being tired.
