Game 13 of 82: New York Knicks v Portland Trailblazers

Game 13 of 82: New York Knicks v Portland Trailblazers

Score: 98-86

By Malcolm Merritt

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The injury-riddled Knicks look to turn their fortune around against the Portland Trailblazers. 

It looks like it’s time to panic for New York. Mike Woodson says different, but if it starts to establish itself in the locker room, changes need to be made and quickly. Negativity is infectious and it should be avoided at all costs. New York (3-9) is half a game ahead of Brooklyn (3-10) in the Atlantic Division and ranked 13^th in an Eastern Conference that only boasts 3 teams above .500. As each game goes by, their problems are highlighted, lack of offense and inability to defend the point guard position. This constantly brings up their inconsistent point guard play. Raymond Felton has been out the last 3 games due to a pinched nerve in his hip, leaving the responsibilities of Floor General to Beno Udrih and Pablo Prigioni. It’s not working; neither of them are able to keep up with the young point guards in the league. This causes issues, as the Knicks were just torched by John Wall, and are slated to play Damian Lillard, Chris Paul and Ty Lawson in their next three games. They move the ball somewhat but when they aren’t on the floor (because they don’t play that many minutes), the ball becomes stagnant.

A lot of pressure is being put on the Knicks’ offensive leaders to produce, but Carmelo Anthony is the only person that seems to be putting his all into every facet of the game. In his last 10 games, he has been averaging 26.9 points per game and 10.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals. The numbers are not stellar, but they show grit and tenacity and that is the way he has been playing. Whether it is in the post or from three-point range, Carmelo Anthony is trying to lead this team in a way that would hold them up until their injured starters can return.

Carmelo Anthony has led this team in almost every way so far this year, but right now it doesn't seem like it's enough.

The Knicks continue their road trip Monday night against the hot Portland Trailblazers (12-2). The Trailblazers are surging right now, coming off an unexpected start and continuing that as the season begins to pick up its regular groove. Led by Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, the play from newcomer Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews has propelled this team into the upper-echelon of the NBA. They’ve won 10 straight and are the San Antonio Spurs sole loss. They are top ten in the league in Points (6th), Rebounds (8^th), Assists (9^th), and Points Allowed (10^th). At the moment, the Northwest-leading Blazers consider themselves contenders.

The Blazers backcourt and front-court will be the reason why the Knicks will lose their 6^th straight. The Knicks inability to defend will be exploited and taken full advantage of in this matchup in the Moda Center. No one will shoot well on the Knicks as they look for offensive spark. Expect Carmelo to labor once again, most likely finishing with a double-double and 25+ points. He will once again lead the team in minutes. Amar’e Stoudemire will continue his play from last game, somewhat returning to form. Dolan’s vote of confidence in the injury-riddled forward will raise the level of his play if he gets the minutes that would allow him to make an impact. Also, he scored his career high of 50 points against the Trailblazers, just food for thought.

The final score will be 98-86 Portland. The Knicks will be killed by their lack of offensive production. This is where Raymond Felton is sorely missed. His ability to penetrate created openings on the perimeter for the plethora of Knicks shooters. But this could be fixed by making the extra pass. If the Knicks were able to trust each other, they would be able to create issues for opposing defenses with their perimeter shooters.

New York is not looking to trash this season. They still have Championship aspirations but right now they need to focus on getting to .500 and trying to make the Playoffs in a weaker-than-usual Eastern Conference.

Catch the game tonight at 10:00 PM ET on MSG Network. 

Bold Prediction: Amar'e Stoudemire will top 10 points in the game.