Oct 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward Cleanthony Early (11) goes up for a shot while Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) defends during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks were able to pull off an impressive victory over the Toronto Raptors Tuesday night, defeating their Atlantic Division foes 111-109. The Knicks will not have much time to celebrate, as they will head on a plane and travel down south to take on the Charlotte Hornets in the second night of their back-to-back set.
If there is any consolation to this, it is that the Hornets will also be traveling for the game, as they played Tuesday night at the Minnesota Timberwolves and won 104-95.
This will be only the second game this season out of nine that the Knicks are facing off with a team that missed the playoffs last season. But, like the Knicks, the Hornets are a much improved team and should challenge for a playoff spot this season as well.
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The Knicks will have some incentive in the game, as they will be looking to go back over the .500 mark for the second time this season. It would be the latest that they were over .500 in a season since their division winning campaign in 2012-13 when they started the season on a six-game winning streak and never fell below .500. The last two seasons the Knicks fell under .500 by the conclusion of the first week of the season and were never able to climb back over.
The Hornets are one of the teams that are on the Knicks level in terms of team talent, and is a good measuring stick for the team. With how they have fared against playoff teams from last season thus far, this is a game they should have confidence going into.
The Knicks have some good depth, as their bench has been productive all season. On the second night of a back-to-back, the bench becomes even more important.
Will bench play be one of our keys to the game? Read through our slideshow to find out as we pick out some keys to the game for the Knicks against the Hornets Wednesday night.
Next: Matchup Of The Game