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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets: 5 Players To Watch In Home-And-Home

By Kenneth Teape

Nov 17, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) defends during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets: 5 Players To Watch In Home-And-Home
Nov 11, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Knicks center Joakim Noah (13) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Joakim Noah

Noah has missed the last two games because of an illness. But, he is expected to return to the court for the home-and-home after practicing Thursday. How will he fit back into the lineup?

Noah is the starting center for the Knicks but how much will we see him on the court? Kyle O’Quinn and Willy Hernangomez filled in well for him when he was out of the lineup and deserve playing time. The performance the two had against Dwight Howard is definitely a highlight.

Noah has looked sluggish and out of place at times in the early going of the season. Noah is 18th in the NBA in real plus/minus and 19th in real plus/minus wins added. He is a below average center right now and the Knicks need to figure out a balance to use the small-ball lineup with Porzingis at center while working in the other players.

Noah’s minutes could take a hit as a result. He is averaging 23.4 minutes per game currently but the Knicks have figured some things out offensively with Noah sidelined. Abandoning those would make little sense. Hornacek will have to figure something out as Noah seemingly is a big part of the plan going forward based on his contract.

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Noah will be given his chances, but how long of a leash will he have? It will be something to keep an eye on beginning this weekend as the Knicks have a plethora of other big men to go to and cannot wait around for Noah to get things figured out.

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