After the New York Knick's disappointing 124-123 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Karl Anthony-Town's emphasis on free throws sounds like a reasonable objective in practice. However, in an 82-game season, there isn't much time to lament. With the younger, less prolific Brooklyn Nets in town on Friday, perhaps the Knicks will show the "little brother" franchise how to perform on the bigger stages. 

The Knicks host the Nets at Madison Square Garden as part of the Emirates NBA Cup competition. In their underwhelming start to the 2024-25 season, the Knicks have lost three games to lesser-caliber teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, and, recently, the Bulls. 

Apr 14, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) holds onto the ball after grabbing a rebound in overtime against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Contrary to preseason projections, the Nets aren't the worst team in the NBA. A combination of Cam Thomas' continued high-clip scoring from last season, role players playing hard and well in contract years, and Ben Simmons showing a basketball pulse has led to the Nets' better record than the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.

Although the Knicks have the better roster and the star power void in the Nets' depth chart, Brooklyn has a warning label plastered against it. 

The Knicks can't afford to play with their food, and, most importantly, the 19th-ranked defensive rating team has to play defense without fouling and converting on their free throws in the clutch. If Jalen Brunson and Towns suit up, as they've dealt with ailments that nearly kept the All-NBA point guard from playing against the Bulls, the Nets should have a long night against two stars. 

Related: How Are Knicks Staying Positive Despite Lackluster Start?

Knicks vs. Nets Injury Report 

New York Knicks 

  • Precious Achiuwa (OUT - left hamstring)
  • Jalen Brunson (PROBABLE - right ankle)
  • Boo Buie III (OUT - G League two-way)
  • Miles McBride (QUESTIONABLE - illness)
  • Kevin McCullar Jr. (OUT - G League two-way)
  • Cameron Payne (PROBABLE - left hamstring)
  • Mitchell Robinson (OUT - left ankle)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns (QUESTIONABLE - left knee)

Brooklyn Nets 

  • Bojan Bogdanovich (OUT - left foot) 
  • Nic Claxton (QUESTIONABLE - lower back)
  • Dorian Finney-Smith (PROBABLE - left ankle)
  • Jaylen Martin (OUT - G League two-way)
  • Day'Ron Sharpe (OUT - left hamstring)
  • Trendon Watford (OUT - left hamstring)
  • Dariq Whitehead (OUT - G League)

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 PM Eastern Time

WHERE: Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)

TV: MSG, MSG+, NBA League Pass

ODDS: The Knicks are 9.5 favorites over the Nets

Related: What Bothers KAT About Knicks?