Something tells me this has a chance of having the same kind of outcome as the Bulls game - a blowout in MSG would be sweeeeeet.
I really feel like the Blazers can do anything right now. I want a blowout, but will be pleased with any type of win. I am really surprised that the Knicks are doing as well as they are this season and I hope the Blazers don't overlook them.
Nah. Previous D'Antoni teams had talent on the roster. Chris Duhon as your upgrade in the PG? Q-Rich? The only player that is really nice on that roster is David Lee and maybe the wounded Italian kid - and they will probably have to deal him (Lee) for the 2010 plan. We lost to GSW because Morrow was doing his 2 game impressionism of Reggie Miller, GSW could not miss a free-throw and the Refs had a strange problem with the disease effecting their eyes and thought everyone on GSW's roster had "Wade" on the back.
They're still run and gun, or at least to be based on their scoreboard. Just control the tempo of the game, and as you stated, they do have less talent than the suns so might get discombobulated easier. You've got to watch out to get burned by Al Harrington, who is a very talented player. Again, if the Knicks do just run and gun, they can put a bunch of points on the board, which you have to stop. David Lee is a good player at scoring in transition with dunks and layups.
Blazers should win this game easily. Their front court should utterly dominate the Knicks' front court. Their only real big man is Eddy Curry, and he may be the worst big man defender in the game. Oden and Przybilla should continue to put up a dominant combined line and Aldridge needs to totally exploit Harrington. The Knicks have no point guard that should give Blake or Rodriguez trouble. Roy should effortlessly dominate. Every match up is favourable to Portland, really. Batum and Lee are the closest match up, and I'd call that about even. Lee is a better scorer, but Batum is a better defender. This would be a huge let-down to lose, really.
I'm a tiny bit worried. We have trouble against a fast tempo game. Hopefully we can slow it down and hope they don't get hot on the outside.
Curry hasn't played all year and its doubtful he will play any time soon. Knicks may only have seven guys like they did against Golden State. In any event their biggest guys are David Lee, Al Harrington and Tim Thomas. Good game to wear them out and dominate inside.
My mistake.... got it from ESPN Knicks will start 3 forwards.....Al Harrington, David Lee and Wilson Chandler
Knicks will almost certainly play Lee at center and Harrington at power forward. I know the Blazers "should" win this one on Tuesday, but things could get out of hand in a hurry with the way D'Antoni runs things. The Blazers just have stay committed to playing good team defense and being brutally efficient on offense -- hopefully LMA, Oden and Przy put Lee and Harrington into early foul trouble.
I seriously think we could pull a 140-110 type win. That's not my prediction (yet), but we're going to get more possessions just b/c they're shooting more. Look at last year's games in Denver, but add that we are the ones with the inside presence now and the Knicks aren't close. If NYK is hitting 3's (and I think Nate will have the wings playing tight, so it'll be tough), then it could be close. We can basically shred their transition D anytime we want. If they're not hitting 3's, they're not going to outrebound us and they're going to get crushed. Bayless might be our leading scorer. Oden/Joel might get 40 rebounds.
I'd say they do have a PG that could give Blake or Rodriguez trouble, but he is in the middle of a huge fight with the front office and coach, so we probably don't have to worry about him playing.
Jeezus. Look at that bizzare Knicks lineup. If we don't wipe the floor with that motley crew I will not be happy. The thing is, with a Dantoni offense, if his team is hitting their jumpers, there is NOTHING you can do to win that game.
