New York

Knicks

Per usual, the NBA will have its brightest stars playing on Christmas Day. The NBA Finals rematch will start the day at 12 p.m. ET and will be followed by Heat-Celtics, 76ers-Lakers, Thunder-Timberwolves and Nuggets-Warriors. Aside from the team and player rivalries that will add to the drama, this will also be LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles after spending the last eight seasons as a Laker.

The most important note here is the start time. Typically, there are two night games on opening night, but this game will tip off at 3 p.m. ET. Managers will have to set their lineups earlier than usual. There are still two night games, with the defending-champion Knicks hosting the new-look 76ers, which will be followed by a Western Conference Finals rematch, with the Spurs hosting the Thunder. All three games will be broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. Other nationally-televised games for the first week have been revealed as well, and the full schedule will be released this week.

In the aftermath of a court decision that now allows college players five seasons of eligibility, CBS Sports reported that Nickel was considering a return to college. In addition to entering the draft in the spring, the former Vanderbilt sharpshooter entered his name into the transfer portal. Another season of college basketball could also earn Nickel more money than a deal with the Knicks, based on projections that he could command seven figures in NIL payments. However, Nickel is reportedly focused on starting his NBA career. The question is whether the Knicks will sign him to a standard contract or a two-way contract, with the latter option allowing the team to save some cap space as the front office finalizes the roster.

The 39th overall pick in June’s draft, Kayil appeared likely to remain overseas despite his stated desire to play in the NBA immediately. However, with the Knicks’ need for cap space as the team aims to avoid the second apron, the guard’s chances of landing a standard contract appeared to be slim. Kayil had some positive moments during summer league play, but he did not play at all in the second half of the Knicks’ finale in Las Vegas. New York retains his draft rights, and dynasty league managers can afford to leave Kayil on draft boards for now.

Diawara, who had his moments during the 2025-26 regular season before falling out of the rotation for the team’s title run, injured his left ring finger during Summer League. While he did need to undergo surgery, the wing has already returned to the court and is expected to be fully ready when the Knicks open training camp in late September. There should once again be opportunities for Diawara to contribute during the regular season, but he is not a player to select in redraft leagues.

Selected with the 47th overall pick in June’s draft, Nickel was arguably the Knicks’ best performer at Summer League in Las Vegas. However, a recent lawsuit ruling that now allows players to play five seasons of college basketball may have opened the door for a return to campus. Nickel, who entered his name into the transfer portal in April, is said to be considering the possibility of playing another season of college basketball. According to the Nashville Post, his NIL valuation ranges from $1-1.4 million, likely more money than Nickel would make if he were to agree to a deal with the Knicks. If he does return to college, the Knicks would retain Nickel’s draft rights.

Sochan’s deal with Portland will mark the forward’s third stop in his NBA career. He split last season between the Spurs and Knicks, ultimately finishing as an NBA champion in New York. Sochan saw career lows in playing time, points, rebounds, and assists in 2025-26, but a change of scenery could benefit him. Still, the Trail Blazers are loaded with talent, so there’s no guarantee Sochan will carve out a big enough role to make a fantasy impact.

Cisse is a restricted free agent, so he’s not on the Knicks officially just yet. The 23-year-old center agreed to a two-year offer sheet with New York. His salary would only be guaranteed for the first year, according to Charania. Cisse had a minimal role last year with the Mavericks. Dallas has 48 hours to match the offer sheet or they’ll lose Cisse to the Knicks.

With the Knicks continuing to struggle offensively in Las Vegas, Akins did his best to provide a spark off the bench. Not only did he lead all scorers with 21 points, but the undrafted wing out of Michigan State was one of two Knicks in double figures. Having spent last season in the G League, Akins is looking to earn either an Exhibit 10 contract or a two-way deal. Thursday’s performance is a step in the right direction, and the Knicks will play once more before heading home.

Currently with the Knicks’ summer league team as an unrestricted free agent, Robbins did not play in the NBA at all last season. Performances like the one he put forth on Monday may not guarantee the 7-footer a standard contract, but it won’t hurt in his quest to earn a training camp invite or a two-way deal. Robbins did a little bit of everything on Monday, helping lead the Knicks to their first win this summer. Given his contract status, Robbins is likely to be available for New York’s final two games of the summer.