The New York Knicks will kick off their title defense by hosting the new-look Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. 

In theory, little has changed in the Big Apple, as the Knicks have returned most of the roster that won the franchise's first NBA championship in 53 years in June. 

Contract extension turbulence between the ownership and some key pieces of the puzzle could have potentially thrown a spanner in the works. However, with a team deeply bonded by friendship rather than typical work relationships, the effects of the offseason turmoil remain to be seen. 

Without further ado, let's take a crack at predicting the Knicks' rotation for the arrival of LeBron James and co., shall we? 

No prizes for calling this one correctly. 

'The Captain' Jalen Brunson will continue leading the way alongside his college teammate Josh Hart in the backcourt. 

Hart, however, isn't a lock to go on opening night after missing the Knicks' final preseason tuneup against the Toronto Raptors due to right ankle soreness. Head coach Mike Brown expects him to play, but Hart is coy about it. 

Third-year forward Mohamed Diawara started in Hart's place against the Raptors on Thursday — the team's lone preseason win, 122-120, in five games. 

As far as auditions go, though, Diawara's six points on 2-for-10 shooting (2-for-7 3PT) likely didn't move the needle. But if Hart is a scratch, Brown may look to him again, as the 21-year-old is trying to carve out a bigger role in the rotation this season. 

Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby made up the rest of the starters against Toronto and will do so again when the Sixers come to town. That's for certain. 

Bridges' 14 points (6-for-9 FG) against the Raptors were a welcome sight after his preseason shooting struggles. Anunoby went 2-for-9 from the field (0-for-5 3PT) but made up for it with five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. 

Not everybody needs to be on fire in the first game of the regular season. That was Anunoby's only off night of the preseason. However, Bridges getting warm will help further loosen the defensive coverages thrown at Brunson and Towns. 

Brunson (20) and Towns (13) combined for 33 points against the Raptors. Brunson added seven assists, and KAT was one assist shy of a triple-double (15 rebounds, nine dimes). The latter is an extremely positive development for the Knicks after Towns' disappointment at not getting a new contract following his contributions to the championship run. 

The Knicks have plenty of second-unit options going into their title defense. It's unlikely, but Brown could go 14 deep if he wanted to. 

Based on their final test against the Raptors — also the Knicks' best preseason performance — sharpshooter Landry Shamet is figures to be the first off the bench. 

Fresh off signing a four-year, $23.9 million extension with the franchise, Shamet scored 13 points in 24 minutes in the win over Toronto. Veteran newcomer Andre Drummond matched him for impact with an impressive 14-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist tally in just 15 minutes. 

As far as backups go, the Knicks struck gold by replacing Mitchell Robinson with a big man of Drummond's caliber and experience. 

Diawara will likely feature a bunch off the pine if Hart shakes off his knock. 

Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado round out the 'second five'. The duo chipped in nine points apiece against the Raptors. 

Two other players in contention to feature are Jordan Clarkson and third-year wing Pacome Dadiet. Both played double-digit minutes versus Toronto. Dadiet, however, has been in trade rumors throughout the offseason, so his extended preseason burn could have been an opportunity for the Frenchman to impress suitors. 

Elsewhere, third-year guard Tyler Kolek scored six points in five minutes against the Raptors, perhaps giving Brown something to chew on for the next few days. 

James Wiseman — who just beat out veteran Bruce Brown for the Knicks' final roster spot — is unlikely to feature. However, the third-string center is in a great spot to learn and fight for playing time behind Towns and Drummond.