Following the team’s final shootaround, Caldwell-Pope was asked about the pregame ring ceremony honoring Jalen Brunson and the Knicks‘ championship run. “If it’s their ring night, they’ve gotta take the first loss,” Caldwell-Pope told reporters.

The Knicks will raise their championship banner and receive their ring hardware before tip-off on Tuesday night, a celebration LeBron and the Sixers will be forced to watch from the visiting floor.

While speculation continues to build regarding LeBron’s future beyond the 2026-27 season, the 76ers are focused squarely on the present after making major offseason splashes, headlined by the marquee acquisition of Jaylen Brown from the rival Boston Celtics.

Predicted lineups for Knicks and Sixers

New York aims to kick off its title defense on a high note in front of a raucous home crowd, eager to prove its championship pedigree remains intact. Meanwhile, Philadelphia is looking to make an immediate statement that LeBron and company are legitimate contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:

• New York Knicks — PG: Jalen Brunson | SG: Mikal Bridges | SF: Josh Hart | PF: OG Anunoby | C: Karl-Anthony Towns
• Philadelphia 76ers — PG: Tyrese Maxey | SG: V.J. Edgecombe | SF: Jaylen Brown | PF: LeBron James | C: Joel Embiid

Key takeaways

• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said the Knicks must take the first loss on ring night.
• New York will raise their championship banner and receive ring hardware before tip-off.
• Jaylen Brown was acquired by Philadelphia from the Celtics in a major offseason splash.

Head coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about player availability for Tuesday night’s exhibition after Monday’s practice. “[Leonard] went through practice today,” said Rajakovic. “He’s feeling great. So yes, he’s going to be available for the game tomorrow.”

While it remains unclear roughly how many minutes he will play if he suits up, his impact on both ends of the floor is inevitable and necessary for the Raptors’ success in 2027. His presence alone elevates those around him, though a minute restriction is certainly expected.

Kawhi’s fit with the Raptors

Toronto will boast a ferocious defense with Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Collin Murray-Boyles. The Eastern Conference is stacked, and it will be fun to watch all year as the Raptors enter the conversation for a deep postseason run.

Health will be a major factor for this squad, particularly whether it can stay healthy throughout the grind of a season. Leonard played 65 games for the Clippers last season while averaging 27.9 points per game. He looked like the old Kawhi Leonard and earned All-NBA Second Team honors.

Expectations for Kawhi and the Raptors

The Raptors are one of the Eastern Conference’s risers, and Leonard only makes them more of a threat in 2026-2027. During his first go-round in Toronto in 2018-2019, Leonard posted averages of 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 60 games, leading them to an NBA championship.

Following that lone season in Toronto, Leonard played six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over that stretch.

The 14-year NBA veteran has aged seven years since his last NBA Finals run, but he remains an MVP-caliber player at this stage of his career. On Tuesday, the Knicks could get a small sample size of what he will bring to the table in Toronto.

Key takeaways

• Darko Rajakovic confirmed Kawhi Leonard is available against the New York Knicks.
• 27.9 points per game were averaged by Kawhi Leonard across 65 games last season.
• The 2018-2019 season saw Kawhi Leonard lead the Raptors to an NBA championship.

All indications point to Jalen Brunson being available and expected to play, especially with no injury reports or setback concerns. However, he will likely be on a minute restriction, as head coach Mike Brown indicated before the first preseason match.

On Edwards’ side, he is also expected to play today. However, his status remains questionable for rest as he continues building chemistry in an exciting new backcourt duo with LaMelo Ball, which guarantees a showtime performance.

Sensations ahead of Knicks vs Timberwolves

The Knicks enter the game at 0-2 in the preseason after dropping their first two, while the Timberwolves are 2-1. They will meet at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on Monday, Oct. 12th. It is still preseason, but this is a chance for New York to work through some important questions before the pressure of the regular season kicks in.

With an NBA championship to defend, the Knicks have lots to work on. This game could offer a useful look at where things stand, especially concerning roster spots. Not only that, but the futures of important players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart are up in the air, which the front office has to figure out eventually.

Of course, it is just the preseason. Situations change all the time. What is most important about preseason is what these players look like on the court, and that is what we get to find out.

Minnesota could be one of the most exciting and dangerous teams in the league. The furry bunch has shed Julius Randle and Naz Reid, but added LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. The Knicks will be challenged to play at a faster pace, with Ball and Anthony Edwards playing full-tilt and Kuminga adding vertical spacing.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Brunson is expected to play for New York under a minute restriction.
• Anthony Edwards is expected to play for Minnesota alongside new teammate LaMelo Ball.
• Madison Square Garden hosts the Knicks (0-2) and Timberwolves (2-1) on Oct. 12th.

All signs point to Jalen Brunson and Towns playing minutes against the 76ers, as both are available. Knicks coach Mike Brown plans a light workload for his starters throughout the preseason, so most of the minutes will go to reserves and to five veterans on non-guaranteed deals chasing what is likely one open roster spot.

Those taking on the heavy minute load will be those five: Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji, James Wiseman, Drew Eubanks, and Tony Bradley. It is the first meeting since New York swept Philadelphia 4-0 in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals on the way to their first NBA title since 1973.

Regulating minutes makes sense for Brunson

The caution makes sense. Brunson spent much of the summer in a cast after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon in his left wrist. Also, Josh Hart is playing despite having a right ring finger injury that requires a joint replacement—a procedure he will not undergo until he retires, as the surgery would end his career.

Do not expect to see a huge performance from Jalen Brunson this Monday. However, it is worth noting that, according to a report by the New York Daily News, the team arrived in “pretty good shape” after a Finals run that extended into June.

The Knicks face a direct rival. As is well known, the Knicks are coming off a dominant campaign that culminated in their first championship since 1973. Unlike the Sixers, this group has been together for a long time, so building chemistry quickly is likely not as important as making sure everyone is healthy after a long summer.

However, as is known, the Sixers will not have their starting lineup available: LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, and Adem Bona are ruled out for the preseason opener against the Knicks. This gives the advantage to the defending NBA champions.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns are expected to play against the 76ers.
• A 4-0 sweep was achieved by New York in the 2026 Eastern Conference semifinals.
• Right ring finger injury requires eventual joint replacement for Josh Hart.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid are among the healthy inactives for the Philadelphia 76ers, meaning they are out for the matchup. The decision is tactical, likely aimed at avoiding exposing both players to potential injury.

Furthermore, they will not be the only ones sitting out, as the Sixers will not have several of their biggest names on the floor. Tyrese Maxey is also ruled out, while Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow, Adem Bona, and Tacko Fall are among the other Philadelphia players unavailable for the opener.

Concerning injury report for LeBron

James had been seen participating comfortably in training sessions with the 76ers, but a report emerged today that raises concern among 76ers fans regarding how the veteran is entering this season. The ruling comes on the same day that ESPN’s Dave McMenamin provided additional insight into James’ physical condition entering his 24th NBA season.

McMenamin reported that James is dealing with chronic arthritis in his left foot, with special attention paid to the area during his daily training routine. His lower back is also being monitored after sciatica caused him to miss the first month of last season.

These factors make workload management a major consideration for Philadelphia, especially given James’ age and the length of the regular season. The Sixers are already analyzing how to manage that workload and handle back-to-back games as they prepare for the season.

Embiid’s physical status

That lingering worry over LeBron can be eased by the progress made by Embiid. Hours before tipoff, Philadelphia received another encouraging sign about the former MVP’s physical condition.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported Monday on “NBA Today” that Embiid has slimmed down to his rookie weight following an offseason in which the 32-year-old finally had an opportunity to focus on training instead of rehabilitation.

Embiid was listed at 250 pounds coming out of Kansas before Philadelphia selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2014 NBA draft. His current NBA profile lists him at 270 pounds. If true, this represents a highly significant change given Embiid’s injury history. It remains a shame that fans will have to wait to see LeBron and Joel share the floor.

Key takeaways

• Healthy inactives keep LeBron James and Joel Embiid out against the New York Knicks.
• Chronic arthritis in his left foot was reported ahead of his 24th season.
• A return to rookie weight was reported following an offseason focused on training.

“We’re inspired by the Knicks. We’ve got to keep the winning going in New York,” Judge told reporters while celebrating with teammates following their Game 2 victory over the Red Sox.

With the Wild Card round behind them, attention turns to Judge’s availability for the clash with Tampa Bay. Questions lingered after the team captain wasn’t introduced during pregame intros at Yankee Stadium, but manager Aaron Boone cleared the air and explained the reasoning behind the decision.

On the offensive front, the Yankees welcomed Giancarlo Stanton back to the roster, though he has yet to make an appearance in the postseason following a lengthy IL stint. If fully healthy alongside Judge, Stanton’s presence gives New York the firepower needed to take down a formidable division rival in the Rays.

Aaron Judge’s potential return timeline vs. Rays

Uncertainty continues to surround Judge’s status ahead of the ALDS. Now entering his second week of recovery from a calf strain, medical specialists and MLB insiders suggest that a full recovery from this type of injury typically requires a three-week timeline.

Unlike earlier in the season—when he skipped a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A while returning from a rib injury that sidelined him for 100 days—Judge opted to take live reps with Double-A Somerset prior to making his postseason return.

How he responds to those rehab reps will dictate the Yankees’ official timeline. While the team remains hopeful he can suit up at some point during the ALDS against the Rays, he must first be activated to the 26-man roster before game action.

Yankees vs. Rays: ALDS schedule

Judge is slated to complete his three-week recovery timeline just in time for Game 3 against the Rays. If he experiences any setbacks, the Yankees slugger remains on track to return mid-series during the ALDS. Here is New York’s schedule ahead of the upcoming clash with Tampa Bay:

• Game 1: Saturday, October 3, 2026
  • Time: 6:30 PM ET
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Game 2: Monday, October 5, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 PM ET
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)
• Game 3: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)
• Game 4 (if necessary): Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Yankee Stadium (Bronx, NY)
• Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, October 10, 2026
  • Time: TBD
  • Venue: Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, FL)

Key takeaways

• The New York Yankees advanced to face Tampa Bay in the ALDS.
• Aaron Judge cited the Knicks as inspiration for keeping New York winning.
• Game 1 of the series begins Saturday, October 3.

Brunson secured his first ring three years older than Curry, who was just 26 when he won his first NBA Finals. However, the Golden State Warriors legend shares the distinction of winning the title in his very first Finals appearance.

Compared to James, Brunson is two years older than the Lakers star was during his first championship run. James was 27 when he got his first ring against Oklahoma City. Had Brunson not won, Victor Wembanyama could have done it at 22 but he came up short in his first trip to the Finals.

Brunson left his mark on the Finals

Brunson didn’t just help bring a title to New York; he also posted some massive individual numbers this postseason. He logged his fourth-highest playoff scoring average while pulling down a postseason career-high 4.1 defensive rebounds per game.

In the decisive Game 5 against the Spurs to clinch the title, Brunson dropped 45 points, another feat that holds up against James and Curry. It’s a performance that will undoubtedly go down in franchise history as an iconic moment, anchoring the team’s comeback to win the Finals.

Brunson didn’t cruise to this ring, either. The Knicks battled through some regular-season turbulence and missed out on the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But once the playoffs started, they found a second gear, dropping just three games total and avoiding a single Game 7.

New York seized control of the series after a dramatic 107-106 victory in Game 4, putting the Spurs on the brink of elimination. The game will be played in San Antonio, where the Spurs hope to extend the series and keep their title hopes alive.

With the Larry O’Brien Trophy potentially on the line tonight, here’s what each possible outcome would mean. After a historic 29-point comeback by the Knicks, anything is possible.

What happens if the Knicks win Game 5?

If the Knicks win tonight, they will capture the 2026 NBA championship. The victory would give New York a 4-1 series triumph and secure the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973. It would complete one of the most memorable playoff runs in team history and cement this group among the greatest Knicks teams ever assembled.

What happens if the Knicks lose Game 5?

If the Spurs win, the series would shift back to New York for Game 6. The Knicks would still lead the Finals 3-2, but San Antonio would gain momentum and another opportunity to extend the series.

Game 6 would be played Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks would have another chance to clinch the championship in front of their home fans. Should the Spurs also win Game 6, a winner-take-all Game 7 would be necessary.

What happens if Knicks vs Spurs is tied after regulation?

If the score is tied at the end of regulation, Knicks and Spurs would play a five-minute overtime period to determine a winner. If the game remains tied after the first overtime, another overtime period would be played.

That process would continue indefinitely—double overtime, triple overtime, and beyond—until one team finishes with more points and wins the game. Every NBA Finals contest must produce a winner.

How close are the Knicks to the championship?

The Knicks enter Game 5 in a commanding position, needing just one more victory to secure the title. Historically, teams leading an NBA Finals series 3-1 have gone on to win the championship the vast majority of the time. It has happened 38 of 39 times with the only exception in 2016 when LeBron James and the Cavaliers came back against the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry.

The result marked the largest comeback ever recorded in an NBA Finals game and gave New York a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The loss leaves San Antonio needing three consecutive victories to capture the championship. While Game 5 will be played in San Antonio on Saturday, the Knicks have already guaranteed that, at minimum, the series will return to Madison Square Garden for a potential Game 6.

Following the heartbreaking defeat, Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama addressed the team’s mindset moving forward. “What’s going through my mind right now? I think it’s going to go one of two ways. A bad one and a good one. The bad one would be giving up. The good one would be getting stronger through this, getting more together. I know this is what we’re going to do.”

What did Victor Wembanyama say after the Spurs’ Game 4 loss?

Victor Wembanyama’s comments reflected a player determined not to let one painful defeat define the series. However, the young star was also honest when discussing how the Spurs allowed such a massive lead to disappear.

When asked about the collapse in the second half, Wemby did not hide his frustration. “I think it began before that. I can’t really explain it right now. I think it’s just execution, greediness. We clearly weren’t the most hungry in the second half.”

Whether the Spurs can recover from one of the most painful losses in franchise history will be determined in Game 5, with their championship hopes hanging by a thread.

In NBA playoff history, teams that trail 3-1 in a series have a very hard time coming back. If San Antonio manages to overcome its 3-1 deficit against New York, it will accomplish what only LeBron and Cleveland could. As for 3-0 deficits, no team has ever overcome such a disadvantage in Finals history. Not only that, no team has ever come back from down 3-0 in any playoff series.

If Victor Wembanyama achieves such a milestone in only his third year in the league, comparisons to LeBron will be off to a great start. Needless to say, no other team aside from the Cavs has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.

Those who came close to 3-1 comebacks in NBA Finals

Throughout league history, 23 teams managed to extend the series to seven games after falling behind 3-1. Only LeBron and Cleveland were able to come away with a win in Game 7.

For instance, the Knicks forced a Game 7 after falling behind 3-0 against the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in the 1951 NBA Finals. The Los Angeles Lakers also forced a Game 7 after trailing 3-1 against the Boston Celtics in the 1966 NBA Finals. However, neither team could complete the comeback.

It felt impossible until LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and company rallied from a 3-1 deficit against Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and the Golden State Warriors in 2016. The odds of such a comeback ever happening again are low, but if there’s someone who could pull it off, it might be ‘Wemby’ and the Spurs.

Almost made NBA history

Had San Antonio not blown a 29-point lead in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the Knicks and Spurs would have found themselves on the wrong side of an unprecedented mark in league history. Never before had both NBA finalists lost their first two home games of the series.

Home court could have been considered a disadvantage, but New York rallied from an improbable deficit to put itself one win away from its first championship since 1973.

Last sweep in NBA Finals

Just as they were responsible for the most remarkable and memorable comeback in NBA Finals history, LeBron James and the Cavaliers were also involved the last time a team was swept in the championship round. The Warriors played a role in that one as well.

The last sweep in the NBA Finals was in 2018, when Golden State blew Cleveland out of the water in four games en route to the Warriors’ sixth NBA championship. Throughout league history, a total of nine NBA Finals have ended in a four-game sweep.

The last time a Western Conference team was swept in the NBA Finals was in 1989, when the Los Angeles Lakers fell at the hands of the Detroit Pistons. Since, four Eastern Conference sides have been in the losing end of sweeps, including the Cavs being swept twice.

Wu-Tang Clan will be in charge of keeping fans on their seats during the intermission in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Thus, in addition to the local celebrities regularly spotted courtside and in suites at Madison Square Garden, the hip-hop collective from Staten Island will also be representing the hometown Knicks.

New York is vying to win its first NBA championship since 1973, and with San Antonio pushing back on the road, it’s clear the Knickerbockers need all the help they can muster. Three decades after the release of the iconic album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang’ once again takes center stage. In Game 4, the group formed by RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon the Chef, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna will have the spotlight fixed upon them at halftime.

How long is halftime in NBA Finals?

Although NBA rules state, “Fifteen minutes will be permitted between halves of all games,” that limit is sometimes exceeded during the Finals. Because of broadcast segments, player and coach interviews, ads, and halftime shows, it is not too rare for the intermission between the second and third quarters to extend a bit longer and range from 17 to 20 minutes.

Considering just how many New York anthems Wu-Tang Clan has in its discography, halftime of Game 4 may last even longer. Still, officially, halftime lasts 15 minutes, and that is the benchmark the league aims for.

Celebrities in attendance at MSG for Game 4

Coming off a star-studded turnout in Game 3, which included President Donald Trump, New York City mayor Xohran Mamdani, Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Mariska Hargitay, Larry Dacid and many more, Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs will be no different.

Taylor Swift is attending Madison Square Garden, though without fiancé Travis Kelce. That’s in addition to Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Ben Stiller, who have become regulars at MSG.

Moreover, a large party of New York Giants, including Jaxson Dart, Jameis Winston, and Cam Skattebo were also spotted making their way into the “World’s Most Famous Arena”. Hailey Bieber, Tate McRae, Aaron Judge, Carmelo Anthony, and Nas are other household names making an appearance in New York City for the high-stakes showdown. The VIP list, however, is a lot longer.

Previous halftime show

Game 3 didn’t end how Knicks fans expected, but they were still in for a treat. The halftime show was also headlined by a fellow New Yorker, as Cardi B (born in the Bronx) took center stage. Now, it’s time for Wu-Tang Clan.

Though New York hopes the series won’t go that far, the Knicks are guaranteed to be back at Madison Square Garden for Game 6 if they lose either Game 4 or Game 5. Thus, fans who make their way to the arena above Penn Station can expect another top-notch artist to perform at halftime.