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What to Watch For: New York Knicks vs. Houston Rockets

By Kenneth Teape

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The New York Knicks will start off a challenging three-game road trip in Houston against the Rockets. Last season the Knicks and Rockets played two great games, as each was decided by one basket, with the Rockets winning both. Will the Knicks be able to get over the hump this time around and take down the Rockets? Here are a couple of things to watch for when the Knicks and Rockets tip off at 8 PM ET from the Toyota Center.

Jan 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) controls the ball during the third quarter as New York Knicks shooting guard Iman Shumpert (21) defends at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Knicks 102-100. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Matchup of the Game: Iman Shumpert vs. James Harden

If the Knicks are to take down the Rockets, slowing down Harden will be imperative. Harden is the engine that makes the Rockets go, leading them with 24.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. Harden hasn’t been shooting the ball well though, making only 39.1 percent of his shots; instead he has been making a living at the foul line, making and taking 9.2/10.2 free throws a game, good for 89 percent. It will up to Shumpert to slow him down. Shumpert at times has a penchant to foul, and has to avoid doing that against the crafty Harden. The Knicks cannot afford Shumpert to be in foul trouble; there’s very little else on the roster that will be able to challenge him defensively.

-Get Off To Good Start

When starting a road trip, it is important to get off to a good start to set the tone for the trip. The Knicks were close last season against the Rockets, and will look to finally get one after dropping two games by a combined five points last season. They cannot afford to not bring effort, as the Rockets are capable of pouring it on teams on a flash.

-Not Your Regular Rockets

In previous seasons, the Rockets were known as a team that scored a lot, but gave up a lot too. This season it is actually reversed; they aren’t scoring as much, averaging only 97.2 points per game, 20th in the NBA, but surrendering the 2nd least points at 92.2 points per game. A reason for the change is the turnover that happened on the roster. Defensive minded players like Patrick Beverley and Trevor Ariza are now a part of the starting lineup, which has changed to the change in results.

-Can Melo Keep it Going?

More from Carmelo Anthony

Since a rough five-game stretch about two weeks ago, Carmelo Anthony has been on a tear offensively. In his last six games, Anthony is shooting 60.6 percent from the field, 58.3 percent from three-pointers and 80 percent from the foul line, equaling a robust 28.7 points per game. He is also averaging 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Those are outstanding numbers, and can be credited to the offense Derek Fisher is using. The spacing and ball movement more often than not is improved for the Knicks, putting him in better position to score. He also has changed his routine pre-game, as he is showing up early and shooting beforehand which seems to be working for him.

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