The Knicks are riding a season high four-game winning streak as they head to Charlotte. However, Kristaps Porzingis may not play tonight.
Standing ovation at @TheGarden for Carmelo Anthony. pic.twitter.com/bpDp2fwEWh
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2017
The Knicks spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s return to the Garden on Saturday night when they beat the Thunder 111-96. The victory marked the Knicks’ fourth straight, which is their longest streak of the season. The Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. ET tonight on the road. They will be looking for their second straight win on the road, and just their third win on the road this season. The question for tonight’s game is, will Kristaps Porzingis play?
What is going on with KP?
It started out as just some soreness when Kristaps left the game against the Brooklyn Nets. He then missed Melo’s return on Saturday night because his knee didn’t feel great during shootaround. Now, he is a game-time decision against the Hornets. Is it more than just soreness? It has the feeling that the Knicks are not being completely honest with their fans. Kristaps sounds a bit concerned in the update that he provided for us via the Knicks’ Twitter account.
.@kporzee provides an update from Charlotte ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Y2cm0q6dQQ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 18, 2017
Porzingis has already missed five full games this year. In those five games, the Knicks are 1-4 with an average margin of loss of about 13 points. It is clear that the Knicks need KP to win games. There is no question about that. The “Unicorn” is enjoying the best season of his career so far. He currently has career highs in PPG, BLK, FG%, 3P%, BPM, and PER. The talent is clearly there. The issue for KP is staying healthy. Hopefully, he returns tonight and plays well so the concerns about his knee can diminish.
On the road in Charlotte tonight
As mentioned, the Knicks are riding a four-game winning streak into tonight’s game. They will already be without Tim Hardaway, who has missed some time due to a leg injury. Kristaps is a game-time decision and Enes Kanter will play despite battling some injuries. Kanter does not seem 100% as he sat out almost the whole fourth quarter on Saturday night against the Thunder.
This is the second meeting of the year between these two teams. The Knicks took the first one at the Garden 118 to 113. The story of that game was Malik Monk. Monk dropped 21 points last time out, which was the second most of his young career. Monk played with a little extra intensity since the Knicks past on him for Frank Ntilikina in this year’s draft.
The Knicks were led by big games from Kristaps and Doug McDermott. Kristaps had 28 points to go along with three blocks and five rebounds. McDermott came off the bench and provided the Knicks with 20 points, an assist, and two rebounds. The Knicks need their bench to continue their strong play if they want to win this one, especially if KP sits out another one.
Other Knicks News, Stories
- Jeff Hornacek has been getting the most out of the Knicks so far this season.
- Michael Beasley is using 11% of his brain this season.
- I take a look at Melo’s top 5 moments as a New York Knick
