New York Knicks Keys To The Game vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Dec 10, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) reacts during second half against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 100-91.

Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

First Look At Okafor

In the first meeting there were a lot of people looking forward to 2015 NBA Draft Picks Kristaps Porzingis and Jahlil Okafor facing off for the first time in a game that counted. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as Okafor was suspended for the game because of some off the court incidents that he got himself in.

He was handed a two-game suspension by the team, but will be ready to go this time around. How will the Knicks combat Okafor? It will be one of the things to watch for throughout the game. The 76ers run their offense through Okafor, so whoever is defending him will be in for a long night defensively.

Okafor is as skilled as any young big man that has come into the NBA recently. He can score in a multitude of ways in the post with a true throwback low post game. Expect Robin Lopez to get extended run defending him, as he is probably the only player the Knicks have that has the size in height and weight to slow down Okafor one-on-one.

The 76ers rookie leads the team with 17.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as he is a big part of their immediate and future plans. Shutting him down would go a long way for the Knicks to getting the victory over the 76ers.

Next: Will Porzingis Have A Repeat Performance?