It’s essentially the most compelling playoff sequence within the Eastern Conference, and Reggie Miller isn’t shopping for the betting odds that present the Knicks as a wholesome underdog towards Cleveland.
“It’s a pick-em series,” Miller, the previous Knicks nemesis and now an analyst on TNT, mentioned Thursday in a convention name.
Still, Miller acknowledged that the well being of Julius Randle — who remained a restricted participant in observe Tuesday due to a sprained ankle — can simply swing the pendulum.
“Either way, one of these teams are going to be disappointed if they lose,” mentioned Miller, who is asking Game 2 of the sequence on Tuesday for TNT. “The well being of Julius Randle, to me — I wish to see how he’s transferring in Game 1 [on Saturday in Cleveland] and all through this sequence. Because earlier than this harm, he was taking part in at an All-Pro degree. He places a lot strain on the opposing group’s protection.
“So if that’s taken away, sure it leans towards Cleveland if he’s not 100 percent. But who is 100 percent at this time of the year? No one. No one is 100 percent at this time of the year. You can’t feel sorry for them. That’s not Cleveland’s fault.”
Greg Anthony, a former Knick, additionally known as a detailed sequence however leaned towards the Cavs due to their star energy.
“I think the Knicks have a better and more complete roster when you go 1 thru 10,” Anthony, additionally a TNT analyst, mentioned. “They have more guys in that regard. But I think Cleveland is just better at the top. I think this series for me, Donovan Mitchell is the best player. And what they get from their bigs [Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley] in terms of defensive pressure in the paint, not allowing you to live there, the shot blocking. I think that gives them an edge.”
Miller famous that neither group carries a lot playoff expertise. Of the starters on each rosters, solely Mitchell and Jalen Brunson have logged greater than 9 postseason appearances. Brunson, who led the Mavericks to the convention finals final yr, is the one Knick within the rotation with greater than 5 playoff video games.
“[Cleveland] is still an unproven commodity come playoff time,” Miller mentioned. “I love the pairing and Mitchell and [Darius] Garland. I love their bigs. But let’s face it, they also don’t have playoff experience, along with the New York Knicks. But Jalen Brunson — we all saw what he did last year with Luka [Doncic] in Dallas. That’s why, to me, it’s a pick-em series.”
Neither Miller nor Anthony subscribed to the storyline of the sequence serving as an indictment on the Mitchell commerce over the summer time, when the Knicks stopped in need of the end line in negotiations and allowed Cleveland to swoop in.
Win or lose, in response to Anthony, each franchises are in a great place. The Knicks nonetheless have draft property and prospects to drag off a commerce for a star, though it’ll actually be tough to discover a participant as proficient as Mitchell.
“We can play plug-in and play and talk about woulda-coulda. But the reality is I think both teams are in a great position,” Anthony mentioned. “Not just for this series, but moving forward. Their young players are getting better. ….They still have their best basketball ahead of them. And they can continue to tinker with the lineup of the roster.”
Miller, who used to torture Knicks followers within the playoffs, agreed.
“The Cavs have the talent to make a run. So does New York, too,” Miller mentioned. “I can’t believe I’m saying this about the Knicks. But they’re that good.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com