The New York Knicks' starting lineup will have the Wright stuff on Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks in a crucial Eastern Conference clash. Delon Wright will make his first start as a Knick when the Knicks come to Fiserv Forum for a game that holds significant playoff implications. With the Knicks currently standing at 45-27, they are dealing with a rash of injuries in their backcourt. Not only is Jalen Brunson sidelined with an ankle injury, but the team will also be without Miles McBride (groin) and Cameron Payne (ankle) as they prepare to engage in the final ten games of their regular season slate.
Taking on an important role in a Knicks-Bucks matchup is an ironic, if not appropriate, scenario for Wright, who was the Knicks' primary trade deadline acquisition. New York picked up his services in exchange for center Jericho Sims. Wright has spent most of his time in a backup role since joining the team, logging 36 minutes in seven appearances since reporting on February 5, 2025. Twelve of those minutes came in a recent loss to the Los Angeles Clippers after Payne exited the game due to an injury.
Wright's promotion to the starting lineup comes as a surprise to some, especially considering rookie Tyler Kolek's recent performance, where he dished out 24 assists over his last three games in an expanded role. However, no rookie Knicks guard has received a starting assignment since Quentin Grimes in February 2022, making Wright's start even more notable.
As the Knicks gear up for the game against the Bucks, they face a Milwaukee team that currently holds a record of 40-33. The Bucks have struggled against top-tier opponents, finishing the season with an 0-10 record against the top three teams in the Eastern Conference. This matchup presents an opportunity for the Knicks to solidify their playoff positioning while also testing their depth amid injuries.
In another key matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 5, 2025. Star guard Ja Morant expressed his frustrations following the game, stating, "I shouldn’t have played." His comments raise questions about the team's management of player health and readiness, especially as they prepare for the playoffs.
Morant's situation is compounded by the Grizzlies' overall struggles this season, which have led to tensions within the team. Sources indicate that there have been disagreements between general manager Zach Kleiman and head coach Taylor Jenkins regarding player usage and accountability. A league source told The Commercial Appeal, "Zach blamed Taylor. Taylor blamed Zach. No one takes accountability for absolutely anything." This lack of cohesion could impact the Grizzlies' chances as they head into the postseason.
Moreover, Memphis has seen its rookie center, Zach Edey, start in 47 of the 58 games he has played, but he has recently come off the bench in the last three contests. This shift in strategy reflects the team's attempts to adapt to their current challenges, but it also raises concerns about their effectiveness as they face off against playoff-bound teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Golden State Warriors in the coming weeks.
In another notable performance, Tobias Harris led the Detroit Pistons to a 122-96 victory over their opponents, contributing 15 points and eight rebounds to the team's success. Harris has been a steady contributor as the Pistons push for a playoff spot, averaging 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 69 games this season. He praised the team's chemistry, stating, "I love playing with these guys, love the energy from all of them, the vibe of the group, and the overall team chemistry is huge."
Detroit's star player, Cade Cunningham, has also been instrumental in the team's success, earning his first All-Star appearance this season. Cunningham is averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds in 66 games. Harris highlighted Cunningham's leadership, saying, "His will to win is extremely impressive — he’s not only an amazing talent but an even better person." With only nine games remaining in the regular season, the Pistons are eager to lock in their playoff position and prove themselves when it matters most.
As the playoff race heats up, teams are looking to solidify their positions while managing injuries and team dynamics. The Knicks' matchup against the Bucks, the Grizzlies' internal struggles, and the Pistons' playoff push are just a few of the storylines unfolding as the regular season comes to a close. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect thrilling basketball as teams vie for playoff success.
