THE SKINNY
REVENGE TIME.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Whispers get louder that Collison may lose his starting job after good showings from George Hill in his return from injury and AJ Price running a smoother offense. Jeremy Lin is finding a new role under a coach that will do more to appease the superstar Carmelo, but his starting job is still safe. In my opinion, Jeremy Lin would be amazing here in Indiana (cause Deron is not coming).
Shooting Guard
Formerly the 1st-team rookie, Landry Fields continues to play with hustle, rebounding it at enormous rates. Formerly the 2nd-team rookie, Paul George is a real threat to any team. Both guards possess size and speed. Paul George should be able to get a good game going against the relatively weak Knicks defense.
Small Forward
Both players have hit game-winners over each other, with Anthony getting the best of Granger most recently. Granger found his rhythm against Philadelphia and their all-star ace defender Andre Iguodala. From a defensive matchup standpoint, Granger should be able to replicate, if not improve upon, the results from the Philly game.
Power Forward
David West faces a tough mark in Amare Stoudemire, who has monstrous scoring ability inside as well as great shooting outside for a big man. West should concentrate his efforts on defending the drive and rebounding.
Center
Tyson Chandler is the type of center that gives Roy trouble. Hibbert has to do his work early to get post position, because once he gets in, he becomes the threat that scouts highlight in their reports.
THE BENCH
George Hill is leading the pack off the bench. As a result, Tyler Hansbrough has found better, open opportunities and the entire bench unit looks better with Hill. With the addition of Barbosa, the Pacers look to be fully stocked on the pine with a scorer every minute of the game. The Knicks have found similar depth in the scoring of JR Smith, who can get hot any moment. The Knicks bring lots of versatility off their bench, so the Goon Squad has to be ready.
THE COACHES
Taking over as interim is Mike Woodson. He brings a larger appreciation for the veterans of the team, and looks to get Melo and Amare going early and often. Vogel has a real opportunity to take advantage of the adjustments taking place in the Big Apple.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster: Back - Probably not.
Knicks
Bill Walker: Elbow - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Togetherness. Show the Knicks that superstars don't matter if you don't win.
-Don't let anyone outside of Melo and Amare get going.
THE TRADITION
