The Knicks’ Path Through the East Is Easier Than It Looks

The New York Knicks dominated the playoffs last season: can anyone in the NBA truly challenge them in a seven-game series? XJ ranks every team’s chances against the defending champs, spotlighting the Knicks’ overwhelming edge versus East teams like the Hawks, Nets, Bulls, and Bucks. The breakdown includes insights on Karl-Anthony Towns’ optimal use, Jalen Brunson’s unstoppable iso game, and the potential impact of perimeter defenders like Lou Dort. Which Eastern Conference rivals pose a genuine threat, and why do the Celtics and Pistons stand out on XJ’s tier list?Dive into critical matchups and tactics, from Boston’s ghost coverage of Josh Hart to the Hornets’ elite three-point arsenal, and how roster changes for teams like the Cavs and Pacers shake up playoff odds. With strategic takes on player development—from Evan Mobley to Paolo Banchero—and bold predictions for potential upsets, this episode sets the stage for a heated NBA season. Who can upset the Knicks’ championship momentum? 00:00 – Knicks Opponent Tier List! 1:01 – Tier List Rules 4:17 – Atlanta Hawks vs Knicks 7:59 – Boston Celtics vs Knicks 9:55 – Brooklyn Nets vs Knicks 12:00 – Square Ad Break 13:59 – Charlotte Hornets vs Knicks 16:23 – Chicago Bulls vs Knicks 17:51 – Cleveland Cavs vs Knicks 20:43 – Fan Duel 22:28 — Third Segmenters, Stand Up! 23:01 – Detroit Pistons vs Knicks 25:18 – Indiana Pacers vs Knicks 27:28 – Milwaukee Bucks vs Knicks 28:45 – Miami Heat vs Knicks 30:04 – Orlando Magic vs Knicks 33:09 – Thanks and please subscribe! Photo Credit: Geoff Burke; Vincent Carchietta; Trevor Ruszkowski - Imagn Images Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-knicks/Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/NBA ! #squarepodFanDuel Make this Your Most Rewarding Season Ever with FanDuel. Get $350 in Bonus Bets — GUARANTEED — when you bet five dollars every day for seven days.  Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COMFANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.