New York Knicks vs. LA Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The biggest teams from the biggest markets in the NBA will clash on Thursday when the New York Knicks continue their road trip and take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Knicks opened their season with a win against the Celtics on Christmas Day. They followed that up with a loss against the Warriors where they failed to score 80 points. 

The Lakers dropped games to the Bulls and Kings before righting the ship in a blowout win over the Jazz. 

Where: Staples Center. Los Angeles, California.

When: Thursday, Dec. 29 at 10:30 p.m. EST

Watch: TNT. NBA League Pass (not a free stream).

Listen: 1050 ESPN in New York. 710 ESPN/1330 ESPN Deportes in Los Angeles

Betting Line

Lakers (-4), according to Bodava. 

The Knicks looked abysmal last night against the Warriors. The Lakers had a rough start to the season, but they looked great in the third game against the Jazz. 

In Los Angeles, a four-point spread is certainly not excessive. Go with the Lakers to win and cover in this one. 

Key Injuries

Per USA Today:

Knicks' G Baron Davis, F Jared Jeffries and G Iman Shumpert are out.

Lakers' C Andrew Bynum is out with a suspension.

Lakers' F Derrick Caracter is out.

Lakers' F Pau Gasol is probable.

What's at Stake?

You never want to put too much on such an early season game, but this is an important measuring stick. These are two of the league's big-market teams, and it's always fun when they play. 

The Knicks are one of four teams in the Atlantic Division with a 1-1 record. Separation is never a bad thing. 

The Lakers started 0-2 and came back with a nice win against the Jazz. It will be a nice step for them to quickly get back to .500.

What They're Saying?

Howard Beck of the New York Times was critical of the Knicks after their surprisingly low-scoring loss to the Warriors on Wednesday night. 

"

The Knicks’ presumed strengths were not in evidence, however, nor was their composure or any sense of cohesion Wednesday night, and their first road game ended in a stunning 92-78 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

"

He added:

"

So the bravado that accompanied a season-opening victory over Boston vanished quickly, replaced by humility and a necessary reminder that the Knicks are very much a work in progress.

"

T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times was critical of the Lakers' fans for an overly negative and unrealistic response to an 0-2 start.

"

But from what I can gather by reading email, the Lakers are idiots for playing Derek Fisher...The Lakers know that. They tried to trade for Chris Paul...What are they supposed to do now? Start Steve Blake?...They would love to play Deron Williams at point guard, but he's employed by New Jersey. This seems hard for a lot of Lakers fans to absorb — making one wonder if there was a time here when babies were dropped on their heads as some sort of ritual to become a Lakers fan.

 

"

Knicks' Player to Watch

Carmelo Anthony. He had an abysmal game versus the Warriors on Wednesday. He's in a potentially fantastic matchup against the Lakers. The Knicks will need him to exploit that.

Lakers' Player to Watch

Conventional wisdom would say Kobe Bryant, but I am going with Metta World Peace—or Ron Artest for you traditionalists. From a defensive perspective, he can limit Anthony's dominance. If that happens, the Lakers will win this game rather easily. 

Key Matchup 

Amar'e Stoudemire vs. Pau Gasol

These two are similar big men. The man that walks away victorious will go a long way towards bringing his team the win.

Prediction: Lakers 101, Knicks 92

These are two of the more top-heavy teams in the league. Logic says to take the home team, and that's what I am doing. More than that, I am taking the team that employs Kobe Bryant. 

The Knicks were terrible on Wednesday. The second end of a back-to-back isn't likely to go any better. 

They'll put up some points, but Bryant will make the difference. 

Follow @mdixon1985