Gavin Schall is joined by Rights To Ricky Sanchez writer Dan Olinger to talk about what Cam Payne brings to the Knicks, how the two teams match up after their offseason barrages, how Paul George and Mikal Bridges could reshape each team and whether either could steal the one seed from the Celtics.

FANDUEL 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)

Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe team up to rank every asset the Knicks have from players to picks. Is Julius Randle worth as much in a trade as the team's distant future first round picks? Is Deuce McBride sneakily even more valuable than Donte DiVincenzo on his absolute bargain of a contract?

The boys have those answers and much more on this edition of Locked On Knicks.

FANDUEL 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)

Size matters? Despite being battered and bruised the Knicks showed the size of their hearts, grinding their way to three straight wins to start their West Coast swing.

Unfortunately while their heart didn't give out their height did against the defending World Champs.

Gavin Schall recaps why size was the difference against Denver, continued brilliance from Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, Alec Burks heating up and the race for the three seed going forward.

FANDUEL 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)

Two massive trades, lots of injuries and some of the best basketball we've seen in 20 years defined the first half of the Knicks season.

What will this team actually look like when all the dust settles?

Gavin Schall is joined by Knicks Film School's DJ Zullo (@DJAceNBA on Twitter) to speculate on the rotation and discuss how Tom Thibodeau's deployment of Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo will make or break the Knicks season.

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Gavin Schall goes solo to recap the Rockets loss and why it's time to start looking at Leon Rose.

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The New York Knicks fall short against the Oklahoma City Thunder, raising questions about their contender status after another hard-fought loss. Despite standout efforts from Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks couldn’t keep pace with the Thunder’s elite defense and late-game execution. Is being "competitive" enough, or do the Knicks lack the firepower to topple top NBA teams?

Gavin Schall and XJ break down Karl-Anthony Towns’ perplexing usage, Deuce McBride’s critical injury scare, and unwarranted criticism from Reggie Miller. Key topics include the starting lineup’s fit issues, the impact of losing Deuce McBride, and Josh Hart’s red-hot shooting streak. The hosts debate whether Brunson’s primary playmaking limits Towns’ effectiveness, and what the Thunder’s defensive tactics reveal about New York’s playoff ceiling. Can the Knicks fix their late-game woes—or is this the limit of their 2026 title hopes?

Timestamps
0:00 — Knicks Lose to Thunder
1:15 — The Knicks are past moral victories vs elite teams
12:43 — Turbo Tax Ad Break
13:21 — Join The Everydayer Club!
13:41 — Reggie Miller and the Karl-Anthony Towns narrative
22:55 — Five Hour Energy Ad Break
23:51 — Indeed Ad Break
24:44 — Deuce McBride injury implications
29:20 — Josh Hart's shooting + player takeaways

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The New York Knicks gear up for a season-changing boost with Deuce McBride's imminent return to the lineup. Could his elite shooting and defensive impact power a deep playoff push? With McBride ready to ramp up before the postseason, the Knicks face a crucial rotation shake-up—whose minutes are at risk as the roster gets even deeper?

Gavin Schall and XJ break down the unique value McBride brings, from his top-tier three-point gravity and point-of-attack defense to his synergy with Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Jalen Brunson. Key topics include lineup combinations that maximize floor spacing, Mike Brown’s evolving strategy, and the challenge of integrating McBride alongside Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet. The hosts debate potential closing units, playoff ramifications, and why every Knick’s plus-minus soars with McBride on the floor. Will the Knicks unlock new heights or face tough choices as they chase glory in the Eastern Conference?

Timestamps
0:00 — DEUCE IS COMING BACK
0:40 — Impact of Deuce's Return
12:57 — Quo Ad Break
14:09 — Join Everydayer Club!
14:31 — Knicks New Rotation
24:24 — Turbo Tax Ad Break
25:09 — Robinhood Ad Break
26:06 — Lineups Gavin and XJ Want to See

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

TurboTax
This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

PrizePicks
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Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.

Robinhood
You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.
Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

5-Hour ENERGY
Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon.

Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL 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)

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