VS 
New York, New York...New York.
Starting Lineups
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TJ Ford, the streaky speedster and Chris Duhon, the consistent producer, will be looking to exploit each other's defensive weaknesses throughout the game. While TJ Ford has been inconsistent, he has performed better in the second night of back-to-backs thus far this season, and with his offense more important than ever, he may very well be the difference between moving up the ladder towards the last playoff spot and falling two rungs towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
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As the starting shooting guard at Madison Square Garden last time, Jarrett Jack successfully channeled Reggie Miller and torched the Knicks for 29 in victory. He continues to have difficulty stopping opposing shooting guards, however, allowing Ben Gordon to score 22 in the first half against him. He faces a different brand of guard in Wilson Chandler, but the challenge will be just as great. Jarrett Jack has had success on offense in the absence of Dunleavy and Granger.
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Walsh favorite Al Harrington continues to lead the Knicks in their era of rebuilding, and has good games against the Pacers. Marquis Daniels is a key player with the injuries, and has had his share of big games. Hopefully his play will continue and he can defend the athletic and versatile Al Harrington. Marquis is not the greatest three-point shooter on the team, but if he can hit an early one, it will force the Knicks to be more careful.
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Troy Murphy will get his double-double, but he must prevent David Lee from doing the same. Even though David Lee trumps Murphy in that category, both consistently average the requisite numbers. Without Granger, Troy will be called upon to create offense at times, and he must take care when passing, which is not his strong suit. David Lee is more athletic, so Murphy needs help in the board department.
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Roy Hibbert actually shot poorly and rebounded well against the Bulls, and if he starts he should be the focal point of the Pacers offense. His presence in the post will open up the three-point shooting game of the Pacers. Jared Jeffries is not a pivotal player, but may be matches up against Jeff Foster in the war for rebounds.
The Key Reserves
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The Knicks have a deep bench, and they can all score. The Pacers bench is depleted due to injuries, but if Brandon Rush makes good decisions, the Pacers bench has a good chance. Blastin' Baston has the potential to be an inside threat when he is active, and Travis Diener may be one of the best third-option point guards out there. Jeff Foster's return gives the defense a boost, and he may start instead. For the Knicks, the addition of Larry Hughes increases the offensive capabilities of the bench by a lot.
The Coaches
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The Pacers have won four in a row at Madison Square Garden. Perhaps the spirit of Reggie Miller will bless O'Brien again and let him coach a good game. The matchups are difficult, but many factors are still undecided, and the game can still go either way. Any given Pacer can step up, and though the mustaches are gone, the intensity is not.
Injury Report
Pacers
Danny Granger-Knee
Mike Dunleavy-Knee
Knicks
None
Final Points
-The game should be decided by which team has the more cancerous NY point guard: Stephon Marbury, or Jamaal Tinsley.
-Channel Reggie Miller.
-Make choking gestures at Spike Lee.
Tradition
RUN N' GUN!!!
I don't care, she's beautiful to me...
Play BALL!
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