New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets: Five Bold Predictions

Iso Joe

Mar 27, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) defends Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Cavaliers 106 – 98. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Along with Lopez, the most consistent player in the Nets’ starting lineup has been Joe Johnson. The steady veteran provides a scoring punch each and every night, but has also been providing production in other areas recently as well, as his rebounding and assist numbers have increased along with the Nets success.

Johnson is a tough matchup most nights because he has the size to play small forward, but starts at shooting guard. This will cause a problem for the Knicks, as their starting backcourt currently stands at 5-feet-11 inches with Shane Larkin, and 6-feet-2 inches with Langston Galloway. More than likely, it will be Galloway having to defend Johnson, and it could get ugly.

Galloway has shown a competitiveness since the Knicks called him up from the NBA D-League, as he doesn’t back down from any player despite his lack of experience in the NBA. He is also a strong defender, but he will be giving up a lot of size to Johnson defensively, which he will take advantage of.

More from Empire Writes Back

• Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
• Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
• Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
• PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
• Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!

With the Atlanta Hawks, Johnson received the moniker ‘Iso Joe’ because of the reliance the Hawks had on him to win his one-on-one battles to score the basketball. That type of play has come and gone at times with the Nets, but you can bet the house on it happening against the Knicks with the size advantage he will have throughout the night.

Johnson and Lopez can take turns in the post, and you can almost guarantee whenever Johnson is in the game and Lopez is not, it will result in plenty of post-up isolation opportunities. He will not reach the 30-point plateau Lopez will, but Johnson will still have a strong scoring night.

Expect 25 points with five rebounds and five assists as he will once again provide a solid, all-around game at the end.

Next: Knicks Youngsters Come Up Huge