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New York Knicks Pre-Game News and Notes vs. Brooklyn Nets

By Kenneth Teape

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Knicks Pre-Game News and Notes vs. Brooklyn Nets November 7th

The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will be renewing their “rivalry” Friday night as the Knicks will visit the Nets. This rivalry has fizzled out after a hot start, as the Knicks are rebuilding and the Nets are about as far away from a championship as you can get, and are hemorrhaging money. Is this the night that the rivalry can truly be renewed? Check out some things to look for tonight when they tip off at the Barclay’s Center.

Matchup of the Game: Shane Larkin vs. Deron Williams

It continues for Larkin, as Williams is another quality point guard he will have to attempt and slow down. To the surprise of many though, Larkin has held his own against some tough competition, as John Wall, Kemba Walker and Brandon Jennings all struggled to really get going against the Knicks.

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This will be the matchup to keep an eye on because the Nets usually go as Williams does. If he can run the offense efficiently, it will be a struggle for the Knicks to slow them down. Larkin could be in for a long night as Williams is talented, but also physically as he is the only true point guard the Knicks currently have healthy on the roster.

-Injury News and Notes

As mentioned above, Larkin will be the only healthy point guard the Knicks have going into tonight. In addition to Jose Calderon, who has yet to suit up this season, Pablo Prigioni will now be sidelined because of a sprained ankle. He will be re-evaluated Saturday prior to the Knicks’ next game. Also out for the Knicks is Andrea Bargnani. They announced prior to the season he would miss the first three games, but is not up to six after tonight. There are whispers he could practice next week and start getting back into playing shape.

For the Nets, there is no injury news of note. They will be ready to roll at full strength Friday night.

Nov 2, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks defeat the Charlotte Hornets 96-93. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

-J.R.’s Return?

J.R. Smith was suspended for the Knicks last game against the Detroit Pistons because of a shot below the belt to Washington Wizards’ swing man Glen Rice Jr. It is another antic that got Smith attention for the wrong reason, as he is racking up quite the rap sheet from NBA discipline and fines. Will Derek Fisher go right back to giving Smith his normal allotment of minutes?

Tim Hardaway Jr. received an increase in minutes with Smith out, and he responded pretty well, scoring a team-high 20 points. Like the norm though, Hardaway Jr. did not add much else where, as three assists were the only other stat he registered on the night. Will he receive more playing time tonight? It would set a tone if Fisher made him earn the minutes back, and is a route he should definitely consider.

-Starting Lineup Changes Again?

Fisher has not been shy about changing his starting lineup, and it could be another new one tonight. Quincy Acy has been dealing with a wrist injury, limiting his minutes the last two games, both Knicks losses. Amar’e Stoudemire was put into the starting lineup the first time against the Wizards, but was moved back to the bench in favor of Jason Smith against the Pistons when J.R. was suspended. Who will get the nod tonight as J.R. returns to the lineup? Ja. Smith was arguably the Knicks’ best player against the Pistons and could find himself in the starting lineup for the long run.

Oct 20, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Jarrett Jack (0) controls the ball against Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard Elliot Williams (25) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

-Bench Play

The benches will be very important in this game. The Knicks bench has been spotty at times during the season, as constant lineup changes is making it a little tough to get any continuity. Who picks up minutes behind Larkin as the backup point guard will be important to see; J.R. and Iman Shumpert are the most likely choices. Who comes off the bench tonight could be determined by how Fisher feels the Knicks matchup best with the Nets to start the game too.

For the Nets, Jarrett Jack put together his best game of the season last game out against the Minnesota Timberwolves, scoring 14 points with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mirza Teletovic is a legitimate three-point threat that needs to be accounted for when he enters the game. He is not shy about letting it fly, as he has attempted 24 three pointers in four games, putting him in the top-10 of the NBA in attempts per game.

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