Two teams rolling right now meet Sunday as the New York Knicks host the Los Angeles Lakers for a game at Madison Square Garden. Both teams are riding strong waves of momentum, with the Knicks hoping for their sixth straight victory and the Lakers attempting to build on an impressive run of form.
Knicks Soaring in East
The New York Knicks have been on fire, dispatching some of the heaviest hitters in the Western Conference with relative ease. After another impressive display against the Sacramento Kings, on Thursday, they earned a decisive 122-112 win over the Denver Nuggets. As the season has advanced, Tom Thibodeau’s men have been on display for their depth, desire and developing chemistry.
The Knicks have been led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, who has been virtually unguardable in his last few games. Brunson scored 30 points on 10-16 shooting and had a game-high 15 assists against the Nuggets. His playmaking and scoring have been the lifeblood of New York’s resurgence, making him a key cog in their push toward Eastern Conference supremacy.
The Knicks are now 32-16, still a game back of the Boston Celtics in second place. But they still sit behind the conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers as they approach the All-Star break. Sunday’s contest presents another chance for them to strengthen their position and keep pressure on the teams above them.
The Knicks’ recent history against the Lakers makes the two teams seem evenly matched, as each has won five of their last 10 meetings. But with confidence high and a full Madison Square Garden at their backs, the Knicks will look to add another over the W.C. head on their list.
Lakers Earning Ground Playoff Push
The Los Angeles Lakers come into this contest after a statement win. Recovering from a 118-104 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers, JJ Redick's team ripped the Washington Wizards apart in a 134-96 shellacking, their biggest victory of the season.
The NBA’s leading all season with 38.2 points a game per loss, LeBron James hit for 24, while Rui Hachimura (22 points) and Shake Milton (21 points) also provided support. The Lakers jumped the Jazz early, building a 13-point lead in the first quarter and and a 33-point cushion by halftime. It was the second half of the third game in four nights that cemented that they would be one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference.
L.A. has won seven of its last nine games en route to fifth place in the West as it bolsters its push for an automatic playoff berth. With only two games left on their six-game road trip, Sunday’s meeting with the Knicks is a vital chance to keep the momentum going.
Team News & Starting Lineups
For the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson is still out due to an ankle injury but is expected to return shortly. Kevin McCullar Jr. (knee) and Pacome Dadiet (toe) will not play. (These absences said, nobody can forget that the Knicks have a deep squad with Brunson, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns to shake things up.)
The Lakers are dealing with injuries to key players like Anthony Davis (abdominal strain) and Christian Wood (knee) and Gabe Vincent (knee). Davis is expected to be re-evaluated in a week, leaving the Lakers with few options to match the Knicks’ size. The return of Jarred Vanderbilt provides some relief, but the absence of Davis and Wood could be damaging in the paint.
Predicted Starting Fives:
Knicks: Brunson, Hart; Bridges, Anunoby; Towns.
Lakers: Christie, Reaves; James, Hachimura; Hayes.
Prediction: Knicks Win By 5+ Points
The Knicks have become one of the physically dominant teams in the N.B.A., relying on their size and strength. With L.A. missing important big men, New York should have a definitive advantage in the paint. With Jalen Brunson setting the tempo and Madison Square Garden creating a boisterous home crowd, the Knicks are favored to make it six in a row.
The expectation is for a high-energy tussle between two teams with their eyes on postseason glory, but the home side looks well set to come out on top.
Comments