May 14, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) during game four of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the New York Knicks look to keep their season alive by winning an elimination game in Indiana. It won’t be an easy task, though; in fourgames in Indiana this season, the Knicks have lost by an average of 15 points. However, there’s still reason to believe that the Knicks could force a Game 7.

The status of the Pacers’ starting point guard, George Hill, is still uncertain. He missed Game 5 with a concussion – an injury with strict policy in the NBA – and his absence certainly benefited the Knicks. In the series, Hill is averaging 17.3 points with 34% 3FG and 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Without Hill, the Pacers relied on DJ Augustin to run the point almost full time, but he is neither as efficient as a distributor or as menacing a defender as Hill. If Hill misses Game 6, it surely increases the Knicks’ odds of winning.

Likewise, the Knicks seemed to rediscover their identity a bit last game. “Big” lineup experiments by Mike Woodson were cast aside, and instead, the usual small ball lineups yielded greater results in floor-spreading and pick-and-rolls as Raymond Felton was able to squeeze his way to the basket for some close shots. Whereas the Knicks had previously been the team adjusting to the Pacers’ identity, in Game 5, the Knicks forced Indiana to adjust to their Knicks’ game.

There’s also still the fact that these Pacers are young and haven’t ever closed out a semi-finals series. Last season they had the Miami Heat down 2-1 before the Heat came roaring back to win the series. Though this group is more experienced, and the Knicks aren’t the Heat, there’s still pressure on the Pacers to actually close out another good team, especially facing the prospects of a Game 7 in New York.

However, the Knicks’ play hasn’t inspired too much confidence to win a Game 6 in Indiana. The Pacers’ home crowd is a loud, dedicated one, and this Knicks team is prone to bouts of frustration. When things don’t go their way, that aggravation mounts. The Pacers’ tight defense and rebounding advantage has proven to be thorns in the Knicks’ sides, and New York can’t let it overcome their focus.

Truth be told, this game could go either way. The Knicks definitely face the greater challenge: on the road, looking at elimination, playing against a (thus far) superior team. However, last game showed promising signs. Carmelo Anthony’s offense has gotten a little more efficient, and he was looking to attack the Pacers more. J.R. Smith seems to have re-found his stroke, Raymond Felton’s dribble penetration opened things up, and Chris Copeland added some sizable contributions off the bench.

The game begins at 8:00 ET. The Knicks have 48 minutes to keep their season alive.

Nov 14, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) drives for the basket during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

The Knicks, previously the lone undefeated team in the NBA, stand at 6-1, returning home and looking to return to their winning ways when they take on the Indiana Pacers today at 12.

For the Knicks, however, a split of two games on the road against two of the best teams in the Western Conference is not a result to be ashamed of. Given their early success, of course the team and fans wanted to take both games, but realistically, going 1-1 was a very good result to a tough test.

In those two games, a noticeable trend was a slight let-up on defense. In their first five games, the Knicks had not given up more than 94 points to any of their opponents. On the previous mini road trip, they gave up 100 points to the San Antonio Spurs and 105 to the Grizzlies. Surprisingly, by the numbers, their task gets easier today.

The Pacers have crawled out to a 4-6 start. Their offense has been mediocre, averaging just 92 points per 100 possessions – 29th in the league in offensive efficiency. Their offensive struggles stem from their poor shooting. On the season the Pacers are shooting at just a 39% clip from the field and 29% from beyond the arc. Danny Granger’s absence with a knee problem, along with their lack of a true point guard – Darren Collinson was shipped to Dallas, so George Hill now starts for him – have put a heavier scoring load on players that don’t seem capable of handling it.

Their defense has remained tight, though, allowing 97 points per 100 possessions, good for 7th best in the league. The Pacers are coming off of a win over the Dallas Mavericks in which they allowed just 83 points. Will their D be good enough to stop the Knicks’ offense, which is first in the NBA in offensive efficiency?

There will be intriguing matchups all across the floor worth watching. Raymond Felton and Hill should be a good test of two speedy, feisty guards. Jason Kidd will take the assignment of Paul George, but later J.R. Smith will see lots of action against him. Carmelo Anthony will likely remain at the power forward, which will match him up with the much bigger, but slower David West. And at center, Tyson Chandler will take on Roy Hibbert, who has also gotten off to a sluggish start.

Overall, coming back home to play a struggling team without their best player should be a good time for the Knicks to begin their next win streak.

Oct 22, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) prepares to be double teamed by Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Damien Wilkins (8) and point guard Royal Ivey (7) during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 98-90. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-US PRESSWIRE

The Knicks jumped out to a dominant first quarter and never looked back as Miami’s usual defensive intensity waned under a crisp New York offense that found the bottom of the net time and time again. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 30 points and 10 rebounds; Raymond Felton commanded the offense masterfully dropping 14 points (3-7 shooting from three-point land) and 9 assists; Steve Novak caught fire in the second half, dropping 17 points.

On Sunday, the also-undefeated Philadelphia 76ers will venture into MSG for a matinee game.

The Sixers have only played one game as well – a nine-point home victory over the Denver Nuggets. The Sixers are still without Andrew Bynum, which is a good thing for the Knicks. In their win last Wednesday, the Sixers were led by a 16-point performance by Spencer Hawes, while four other players scored in double-figures. Similar to previous years, the Sixers’ offense will be very team-based while their perimeter defense continues its stingy ways.

Last season, the Knicks took the season series 2-1, though each game felt like it was played by a different Knicks team. This year, both New York and Philadelphia return to the floor with different teams than last year. The Knicks acquired multiple new bodies through free agency, while the Clippers came away with Bynum, Jason Richardson, and Nick Young as major trade pieces and signings.

With Tyson Chandler only probable to play because of the flu (either playing the Miami Heat or the idea of playing the Heat makes Tyson sick), we may see Marcus Camby get off the bench after not playing at all on Friday. Tyson’s status could make a big impact for the Knicks as he is still their defensive anchor. Should Tyson miss the game or be very limited, the Knicks may have trouble containing the Sixers, who will not potent on offense, still possess a number of players capable of putting up big numbers. If both teams are healthy, still expect a defensive grind and minimal effective offense.

The game begins at 12 ET.

With any luck, Jeremy Lin will be the New York Knicks' starting point guard when training camp opens. Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

5. Coach Mike Woodson will demand defense from day one.

Under Coach Woodson, the Knicks finally realized that defense wins games. The Knicks will play defense from day one. That will make their offense even stronger, and they will win more games.

4. Someone has to win the Atlantic.

The Atlantic Division isn’t exactly filled with powerhouse teams. Someone will eventually win it. Why can’t it be the Knicks? The Celtics are the top team, but they are showing their age. The Knicks can beat the Philadelphia 76ers. The Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors are far from being contenders.

3. Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire will finally learn to play together.

I think this is the season when Anthony and Stoudemire finally play well together. They will learn to play off of one another. They will realize that their individual success is tied to the other. Anthony and Stoudemire have had plenty of time to figure this out. Stoudemire has been great. So has Anthony. Now they must be great together.

2. The point guard position is set.

With any luck, the Knicks will sign point guard Jeremy Lin as soon as possible. Then they will have their point guard from the start. The offense must run through Lin. And Lin will have plenty of time to perfect it.

1. The Knicks will have a full training camp.

The Knicks played much of last season with their core players in place. Now they will have a full training camp with Anthony, Stoudemire, Lin and Tyson Chandler. This is when they will work on the offense, define roles and just plain practice together. They will play more like a team in 2013.

The 2011-2012 NBA Season hasn’t ended, and I can’t wait for next season to start. The Knicks are young, talented and hungry. 2013 will be a breakout year for them.

Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Tonight, the New York Knicks will try for their sixth win in a row against the Toronto Raptors. They are currently on a season-high five-game winning streak. Much of the credit goes to Jeremy Lin. The undrafted point guard from Harvard has gone from the end of the Knicks’ bench to NBA stardom. Lin is drawing comparisons to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash. He is carrying the Knicks with his clutch scoring and playmaking abilities.

Tonight’s game will have a new flavor, as Amar’e Stoudemire returns to the lineup. Stoudemire left the team

Amar'e Stoudemire returns to the lineup tonight for the New York Knicks. Picture Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-US PRESSWIRE

Lin has been on a blistering pace. He is averaging 28.3 points and 8.3 assists during this winning streak. He can’t possibly keep this up, can he? Will he finally have a bad game tonight against the Raptors? Maybe not. Lin will have plenty of fan support from the strong Asian community in Toronto.

Carmelo Anthony is still on the mend. He could return by the end of the week. There are questions as to whether or not Anthony can gel with the already flowing Knicks offense. Anthony insists that he can.

Things are not going so well for the Raptors. They have lost four of the last five games. They are the fourth-worst scoring team in the NBA at just 88.2 points per game. Their leading scorer Andrea Bargnani is out indefinitely with a calf injury.

In the last meeting between the two teams, the Raptors defeated the Knicks 90-85 at Madison Square Garden. But the Knicks are a very different team now. They are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, playing complete team basketball. The Raptors have won just four home games all season.

The New York Knicks are must-see TV right now. Tipoff is 7:00 pm. Don’t miss it!

Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Sources:
SI.com – NBA
NBA – Statistics – Yahoo! Sports

Jeremy Lin is playing like an MVP. Credit: Nicole Sweet-US PRESSWIRE

Since then, their paths through the NBA have been very different. Wall has started 89 games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 16 points and 8 assists. He is the star of his team, nearly impossible to stop from getting to the basket.

Lin has spent time with the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, but has played sparingly. He has been sent to the NBA Development League several times. Lin has only recently played significant minutes. He made his first start for the New York Knicks two days ago. But his last two games have been incredible. Lin is playing like an MVP.

Tonight, Lin and Wall go head-to-head again. Lin has his work cut out for him this time. The Knicks will again be without Carmelo Anthony (injured groin) and Amar’e Stoudemire (death of his brother). So Lin will have his hands full defending Wall and generating offense. Will Lin outplay Wall this time? Can he carry the Knicks to a third straight win? Tune in tonight to find out.

Edwin Torres was born in New York City. He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Sources:
NBA – Statistics – Yahoo! Sports

At the time of the trade, both teams were satisfied.  The Knicks shipped four starters to the Nuggets,

Did the New York Knicks give up too much for Carmelo Anthony?

including Timofey Mozgov, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari and Raymond Felton.  In return, the Nuggets sent Chauncey Billups, Renaldo Balkman, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and of course Carmelo Anthony to New York.

Former Knicks Gallinari and Mozgov now start for the Nuggets.  The Nuggets traded Felton for veteran point guard Andre Miller.  On the other hand, the Knicks have made little use of their pieces from Denver (aside from Anthony).  Billups was let go to make room for center Tyson Chandler.  Renaldo Balkman is on the bench in a reserve role.  Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter are no longer on the roster.

Since the trade, the Nuggets have thrived while the Knicks have struggled.  The Nuggets are playing well this season.  They hold an 11-5 record and are on a three-game winning streak.   The Knicks are heading in the opposite direction.  They are three games below .500.  The Knicks have lost five games in a row, including an embarrassing 100-86 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last night at the Garden.  It was their low point of the season.

And it can get worse for the Knicks.  The former Knicks, now playing for the Nuggets, could really demoralize them by winning tonight.  The Nuggets are flying high, while the Knicks seem to be at square one.  A loss by the Knicks would be further evidence that the Nuggets got the better end of the Anthony trade.  If you thought the Knicks gave up too much for Anthony, stand up and shout “I told you so!”

The Knicks’ main problem this season has been offense.  Last season, they were second in the league in scoring.  This season they are 17th.  Ironcially, it is the Nuggets who are second in the league in scoring this season.  The problem lies at one position:  point guard.  The Knicks do not have a solid point guard to orchestrate their offense.  Rookie Iman Shumpert has played well, but he is still a rookie.  The Knicks need Baron Davis on the court.  When healthy, Davis is an elite point guard.  The offense will improve with Davis on the floor.  It has to improve.  If not, it could be a horrible season for the Knicks.  It could be a horrible few years ahead too.

Edwin Torres was born in New York City.  He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing. For more articles, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Sources:

NBA Statistics – Yahoo! Sports

Melo still Mending?

Carmelo Anthony missed the last game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a sprained right ankle.  His status for today is unclear.  Anthony may not be 100%, but I think he will play at some point in this annual classic.

Shump Shump Shooting

Rookie Iman Shumpert has played extremely well for the Knicks this season.  But Shump has shot just 26% (8 out of 30) in his last two games.  Maybe overconfidence is starting to be a problem?

Chandler vs. Howard

The Knicks will have their hands full against Magic center Dwight Howard.  Howard is averaging 20.5 points and 15.2 rebounds a game this season.  He is hitting 58.6% of his shots.  The defensive task is largely up to Knicks center Tyson Chandler.  Chandler has truly strengthened the interior defense.  This battle alone will be worth the price of admission.

Defensive Efficiency vs. Offensive Power

The Knicks are currently eighth in the league in defensive efficiency.  You heard it right.  The Knicks are playing defense this season.  But they have a tough task ahead of them.  The Magic are second in the league in three-point percentage at 40.9%.  They are also making the most three-pointers per game (10).  The Knicks are second-worst in defending the three.

End of Two Streaks?

There are two streaks on the line today.  The Magic come in on a three-game winning streak.  The Knicks have dropped their last two.  It would be nice to see both of these streaks end today.

Enjoy the game!  It should be a good one, I hope.

Edwin Torres was born in New York City.  He has been a Knicks fan since the early 1980s. He has visited Madison Square Garden on many occasions to watch the Knicks and his favorite player, Patrick Ewing.  For more Knicks coverage, follow him on Twitter @FlipPoker.

Sources:

NBA – Statistics – Yahoo! Sports