Knicks Respect Is Real, But Is Game 1 a Trap?

Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down the sudden shift in how the Knicks are being viewed heading into the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland. After dominating their last two playoff series, the Knicks have gone from nationally doubted to betting market favorite, but the long layoff creates real concern about whether rust could slow down their momentum. The guys debate why New York is favored more heavily now than it was earlier in the postseason, how Cleveland’s grueling path could impact the series, and whether the Knicks can finally bury an ugly Game 1 trend. The conversation also turns into a classic fan dilemma as Big Mac weighs Knicks playoff tickets against his Yankees loyalty, putting his New York sports priorities on trial.