Why New York Knicks Need Amar'e Stoudemire to Defeat Jimmer Fredette's Kings

It's been a disappointing start to the season for the New York Knicks, who are now considered to once again be a top team in the Eastern Conference.

The 1-2 start, including losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors is not what fans expected at the start of the 2012 season.

The addition of Tyson Chandler at center was supposed to do wonders for the Knicks on the inside.

Thus far he hasn't been quite the force they were expecting. It's expected that the adjustment will take some time.

Apart from Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have been unable to sustain any offensive rhythm.

Even Stoudemire and Anthony have been extremely inconsistent.

Now, it appears that Anthony will be on his own later today when the Knicks take on the Sacramento Kings.

The New York Post is reporting that Stoudemire will likely be sitting on the sidelines with an ankle sprain.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter of the team's loss against the Lakers on Thursday.

The Kings roll into this game with a 1-2 record as well.

Although they are coming off back to back losses against the Trail Blazers and Bulls, the team has looked solid this season.

The actually kicked off the season with a win over the Lakers.

With Stoudemire out, it's likely that the majority of this game is going to be played on the outside by both clubs.

This is where Sacramento has the advantage.

While the Knicks only have Anthony to rely on, the Kings have a wide array of talent.

Jimmer Fredette, Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans can all be relied on for outside shooting. With Stoudemire out, DeMarcus Cousins also has the advantage on the inside.

The last thing the Knicks want is to start out this season 1-3. Right now, it's looking like they could be heading in that direction.