Knicks Knotes

Knicks @ Pacers (Game 51): Feb. 20th, 7:00 PM EST

New York Knicks: 32-18 (13-10 on road)
Indiana Pacers: 32-21 (21-5 at home)
Head-to-Head: Series Tied 1-1 (of 4 Games)

TV: MSG

Second half basketball typically means an elevated level of focus from players as teams gear up to solidify or improve their playoff positioning.

The Knicks will be tested right from the get-go as they have the Pacers tonight.

What I want to see tonight is a general increase in effort. Of late, there hasn’t been a game where the Knicks have been locked in for 48 minutes. At the beginning of the season, effort was there on a nightly basis. Remember Melo jumping into stands?

Where is all that now?

Maybe it’s the dip in performance from Brewer and Jason Kidd… maybe it’s not having Sheed out there. Whatever it is, the Knicks need to find themselves again.

And it starts tonight.

Key to a Win: Simply, matching the Pacers intensity. They have been playing good ball this year and it’s all because they “want” it. David West has been playing out of his mind recently, so slowing him down is going to be key as well.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Melo Points: 27
• West Points: 21
• George Hill Assists: 5
• Chandler Rebounds: 11
• Knicks Total Turnovers: 10

Need this one tonight.

Betting Line: Pacers by 3.5 (O/U 185.0) - when’s the last time the Knicks weren’t favored for a game? Been awhile.
Prediction: Knicks 94, Pacers 87
Prediction Record: 30-19-1

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks vs. Clippers (Game 49): Feb. 10, 1:00 PM EST

New York Knicks: 32-16 (19-6 at home) 
Los Angeles Clippers: 35-17 (15-12 on road)
Head-to-Head: First Meeting (of 2 Games)

TV: ABC, WatchESPN

Potential finals preview? ha, that’s getting a little ahead of myself. 

The Clippers and Thunder are the two teams I’ve been waiting to see the Knicks play as sort of bench-mark games for us. 

A couple of old friends are making their way back to New York.

It’s been awhile, but this is actually Chauncey first game back in the Garden since being amnestied by the Knicks. He wasn’t too happy about that, so look for him to have a big game. 

And, who can forget Jamal Crawford? Oh… Ronny Turiaf and Matt Barnes as well! 

Key Match-up: Seems like there’s a bunch to choose from, but I’m going to go with Tyson vs. Jordan. They are basically the same exact player.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Chris Paul Assists: 6
• Billups Points: 10
• Melo Points: 27
• Jordan Rebounds: 10
• Crawford Points: 15

It’s been awhile since the Knicks played a game against an upper-echelon team. 

This is a tough one to call. I don’t like the early start, but just seems like we can pull this one out. 

These are two teams with a lot of depth. 

Betting Line: Knicks by 3.5 (O/U 192.0)
Prediction: Knicks 103, Clippers 97
Prediction Record: 30-17-1

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks Hang On in Minny, Woodson Fastest Knick Coach to 50 Wins

Final Score: Knicks 100, Timberwolves 94

Record: 32-16 (1st in Atlantic, 2nd in Eastern Conference)
Current Streak: Won 1

For the second game in a row, the Knicks put together a pretty terrible effort on the defensive end. 

Kind of ironic then to say that they won it on defense. 

Up by 1 with about 30 seconds to go, the Knicks pressured Ridnour into a turnover which led to a JR Smith fastbreak and-1 layup. On the ensuing play, Ricky Rubio pretty much shot the ball into Tyson Chandler’s hand for what probably was the easiest block in his career. 

Game Over.

Post Game Knotes: 

• Won’t get tired of saying it, but this was the big reason why the Knicks traded for Carmelo Anthony…. to make big buckets at the end of games. 
• Congrats to Mike Woodson for reaching 50 wins in only 72 games. The quickest in Knick history.
• Ricky Rubio should have taken that wide open jumper off the initial screen instead of passing it off to Ridnour. He JUST hit the same exact shot the previous play.
• Pretty sure Melo is turning back into “I play selective” defense mode. 
• Felton, JR, Kidd can’t really stop penetrating guards
• The Knicks outscored Minny 24-7 in the final minutes - another game where they play when they have to basically.
• STAT is officially back with that poster of Steimsma in the first half. Felt like they should have gone to him more on offense when he was in there.
• Shumpert is struggling adjusting coming back from this injury.

Over Under Game Results: No Winners

• Rubio 7 Assists: Over (11)
• Melo 27 Points: Over (36)
• Felton 7 Assists: Under (1)
• Chandler 11 Rebounds: Under (7)
• Wolves 5 Total Blocks: Under (2)

As Wally said, “a win’s a win.” 

I’ll take it. 

It sounds like the Knicks may not make it out of Minny to return to New York because of the weather. There is a possibility the Clippers game on Sunday may be canceled.

KNOTEWORTHY KNICK OF THE GAME: Not the best defensive game, but needed him when it counted - 36 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

Knicks @ Timberwolves (Game 48): Feb. 8th, 8:00 PM EST

New York Knicks: 31-16 (12-10 on road)
Minnesota Timberwolves: 18-28 (12-11 at home)
Head-to-Head: Knicks Lead 1-0 (of 2 Games)

TV: MSG

Nothing better than have a Knicks game on while being cooped up in an apartment during a snow storm.

I always get surprised when I look at our road record. The Knicks are really only 2 games above .500 on the road?

Weird.

Anyway, feeling a bounce back effort tonight after that disappointing loss in Washington.

Key Match-up: Ricky Rubio vs. Ray Felton - The Knicks have had plenty of issues keeping quick points guard out of the paint. Rubio won’t be any different.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Rubio Assists: 7
• Melo Points: 27
• Felton Assists: 7
• Chandler Rebounds: 11
• Wolves Total Blocks: 5

Should be a fun one.

For those in the NE Region, stay safe!

Betting Line: Knicks by 6 (O/U 196.0)
Prediction: Knicks 96, Wolves 90
Prediction Record: 29-17-1

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks vs. Pistons (Game 46): Feb. 4th, 7:30 PM EST

New York Knicks: 30-15 (18-6 at home)
Detroit Pistons: 18-30 (5-17 on road)
Head-to-Head: Knicks Lead 2-0 (Game 3 of 4)

TV: MSG

After resolving some visa issues, Jose Calderon will finally join the Pistons for his first game tonight after being traded in the Rudy Gay 3-way deal.

Getting Claderon probably won’t change much. The Knicks have owned Detroit this season, winning by 21 in the first meeting and 15 while in London last month.

Detroit also played last night and lost a close one to the Lakers.

There really isn’t a reason why the Knicks would lose tonight… but maybe that’s the reason? ha, I have no clue.

Key Matchup: Calderon vs. Felton - finally a slower point guard the Felton may be able to keep up with and defend!

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Stoudemire Points: 18
• Calderon Assists: 6
• Knicks Three Pointers Made: 10
• Melo Points: 27
• Chandler Rebounds: 10

5-0 during this home-stand would be nice.

Betting Line: Knicks by 10.5 (O/U 197.0)
Prediction: Knicks 108, Pistons 92
Prediction Record: 28-17

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks vs. Kings (Game 45): Feb. 2nd, 7:30 PM EST

New York Knicks: 29-15 (17-6 at home)
Sacramento Kings: 17-31 (5-19 on road)
Head-to-Head: Kings Lead 1-0

TV: MSG

Call it a revenge game for what happened in Sacramento back in December. If you guys remember, James Johnson hit a three after a broken down play to win the game… that was his first three point make of the season.

Couple of things scare me in this game. One, the Knicks may be tired from last night. Two, since it is a “lower quality” team… you hope the Knicks don’t play down to their level.

Let’s make it four in a row at the Garden.

Key Matchup: Cousins vs. Chandler - Cousins is a tough guard. Very talented, but he’s a knucklehead. 

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Melo Points: 29
• Cousins Points: 18
• Isiah Thomas Assists: 4
• Knicks Rebounds: 40
• Knicks Free Throw %: 75%

Someone bound to win an over/under game right?

Betting Line: Knicks by 11 (O/U 203.0)
Prediction: Knicks 105, King 97
Prediction Record: 27-17

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks vs. Bucks (Game 44): Feb. 1st, 7:30 PM EST

New York Knicks: 28-15 (16-6 at home)
Milwaukee Bucks: 24-10 (12-10 on road)
Head-to-Head: Knicks Lead 1-0

TV: MSG

Blah… the Bucks.

I hate playing the Bucks. I don’t know why, but the Knicks ALWAYS have trouble with them.

If Felton was having trouble keeping Jeff Teague and Jameer Nelson out of the paint, I’m afraid to see what Brandon Jennings can do to him.

And as always, have to watch out for Erson Illyasova… that guy.

Key Matchup: Felton vs. Jennings - Shump vs Monta is going to be fun to watch, but the key will be Ray guarding Jennings.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Jennings Points: 19
• Monta Steals: 2
• Melo Points: 29
• Bucks Blocks: 4
• Chandler Rebounds: 9

Let’s make it 3-0 on this home-stand. Tonight’s win is

Betting Line: Knicks by 5.5 (O/U 204.0)
Prediction: Knicks 103, Bucks 91
Prediction Record: 26-17

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks vs. Magic (Game 43): Jan. 30th, 7:30 PM EST

New York Knicks: 27-15 (15-6 at home)
Orlando Magic: 14-30 (6-14 on road)
Head-to-Head: Knicks Lead 2-0

TV: MSG

If the Knicks don’t go 5-0 during this home-stand, I’ll be pretty disappointed.

Just as disappointed as I was upon hearing the news that Brook Lopez got the nod over JR Smith to be an all-star this year (injury replacement for Rondo). I know Brook deserved it more, but still… I wanted JR in there.

Anyway, so far so good with the big over the Hawks a couple nights ago.

Tonight, the Magic, who have lost their past six games, are coming into the Garden.

Key Match-up: Ray Felton vs. Jameer Nelson - Opposing quick PG’s have been absolutely beasting the Knicks as of late. Need to find a way to slow them down.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over, under or push) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (evens) are counting now if you can guess them.

• Melo Points: 29
• Nelson Points: 16
• Felton Assists: 6
• Vucevic Rebounds: 10
• Chandler Blocks: 1

According to Newsday, Jason Kidd is out with a sore back. Puts more pressure on Pablo to help Ray out there on Nelson.

James White will be getting the start in place of Kidd.

Betting Line: Knicks by 9 (O/U 197.0)
Prediction: Knicks 105, Magic 93
Prediction Record: 25-17

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks @ 76ers (Game 41): Jan. 26th, 7:00 PM EST

New York Knicks: 26-14 (12-8 on road)
Philadelphia 76ers: 17-25 (11-10 at home)
Head-to-Head: Knicks Lead 2-0

TV: MSG

Has anyone taken a look at the upcoming schedule for the Knicks? The next eight games are actually pretty winnable: @PHI, vs. ATL, vs. ORL, vs. MIL, vs. SAC, vs. DET, @ WAS, @ MIN.

Other than the Hawks, it’s a fairly “easy” schedule. New York has a pretty good change of running off a few wins. 

Well, it starts tonight against the 76ers, a team where we picked off two early season wins against (by pretty much 20 point margins each time). Back then, folks were saying the Knicks lucked out by playing 2 games so early against the 76ers when they didn’t have Bynum. 

Guess what? They still don’t have Bynum, they still are not good.. and they really shouldn’t be holding out hope for him either. Still think that was an absolutely terrible trade and I’ll say if every single time.

Key Matchup: Felton vs. Holiday. Looks like Felton may give it a go and Kidd may sit because of his back. Will be good to see Felton back. The offense (and defense) misses him. If Felton sits out, then a good matchup is Chandler vs. Hawes.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over or under) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (ties) count as wrong.

• Melo Points: 29
• Holiday Assists: 8
• Chandler Rebounds: 8
• Hawes Points: 15
• Felton Assists: 5

I’m in Philly tonight for the game. Never actually been to their arena before, not sure what to expect.

Betting Line: Knicks by 2.5 (O/U 192.0)
Prediction: Knicks 102, 76ers 91
Prediction Record: 25-15

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes

Knicks @ Celtics (Game 40): Jan. 24th, 8:00 PM EST

New York Knicks: 25-14 (11-8 on road)
Boston Celtics: 20-21 (13-8 at home)
Head-to-Head: Celtics Lead 1-0

TV: TNT, MSG 

Hostile environment is a pretty accurate description of what it will be like in Boston tonight. Celtics fans have a reputation of not holding back, especially when there is such robust material to work with, re: honey nut cheerios.

Can we expect the game to go anyway else then coming down to the wire so that either Pierce or Melo can decide it on one basket? Probably not. It’s like the games between New York/Boston always follow the same script.

I’m not complaining… it’s exciting as hell. But, it’s also extremely gut-wrenching. I can’t even remember the last time the Knicks beat them.

Key Matchup: Garnett vs. Melo (if Melo starts at the four) - throw them back into the fire. Melo says there is “no bad blood” between them… my ass. Garnett slightly bumps or says something to Melo and Melo will be right back to trying to rip KG’s head off. Avery Bradley vs. Shump should be a fun one to watch also.

Over/Under Game: Put your guesses (over or under) in the reply or comment section. Get 5 out of 5 right, I’ll put your name/blog in the post game write-up. Pushes (ties) count as wrong.

• Melo Points: 30
• Pierce Points: 25
• Shumpert Minutes: 22
• Knicks and Celtics Combined Technicals: 2
• Rondo Assists: 8

I have no clue what to expect tonight.

Betting Line: Knicks by 1.5 (O/U 188.0)
Prediction: Celtics 93, Knicks 89
Prediction Record: 25-14

Twitter: @KnicksKnotes