The Knicks face… the Cavs? Again? Really? OK. They face the Cavs at home tonight in their return to Madison Square Garden from the west coast trip, the fifth time this season including the preseason. Will Thibs make sure Knicks-Cavs V stands out from the crowd with some changes?

I’m sick of this team. The Cavaliers. Counting preseason, this is the fifth meeting between the Knicks and Cavs this year. It can’t possibly be engaging or a substantive use of anyone’s time. Maybe Tom Thibodeau, the maniac who wants to see the subtle differences from game one to game five, charting incremental progress, maybe he loves it. Not me, friends! No. I want to see something new and different, perhaps the newness will coax the improvement we all wish to see.

And I wish to see big sweeping changes. Aggressive, thought-leading, paradigm-shifting, yet simple alterations. Progress like what we see from Julius Randle. Take us from trade-this-loser to nominate this absolute beast to the All-Star Game with another facet of the roster, Tom. Please!

Old-Julius met Nū’Julius in a dark alley and Old-Julius got slumped and hasn’t walked out of the alley or really been seen since. That type of progress would also be nicely transposed by getting rid of the old point guard, Elfrid Payton and infusing it with the new point guard, Immanuel Quickley. For a coach desperate to win, he also seems dedicated to spinning with Elfrid. Bathe yourself in the river of Quick. Because right now you’re covered in ‘Frid.

I want this party started

Just give me Quickley god damn you. I want Frank too but just demote this evil elf.

The Knicks are basically at full health for the first time this season. Alec Burks and Reggie Bullock are listed as day-to-day but the full team could probably go if there was an all-hands-on-deck situation.

For the Cavs Larry Nance (wrist) is questionable, which is actually a nice boost for the Knicks’ chances. Junior gives them a creative element that really engages some extra scramble mode for defenses. Matthew Dellavadova (concussion protocol) and Kevin Love (calf) are out.

Warm Up Music

Thibs hugs Elfrid too tight.