New York Knicks: Predicting the Outcome of Every Game in February

The New York Knicks had the luxury of a favorable schedule in January, yet it is one they failed to capitalize off of.

As we enter February, it's not going to get any easier.

Games against the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks, among others, are awaiting New York. The Knicks' performance during this stretch, which kicks off with a back-to-back-to-back, will speak volumes about which direction the team is headed.

Will Mike D'Antoni's seat cool off? Can the Knicks get their heads above .500? What kind of impact with Baron Davis' return have on the team?

The outcomes of this month's games will say it all.

At Chicago Bulls, Feb 2

Last season, the Knicks matched up fairly well against the Bulls, and a similar case could be made for this season.

New York's front line should have the clear edge over Chicago's. That being said, Tyson Chandler is the only member of the Knicks' front line living up to expectations thus far.

Additionally, there is always reigning MVP Derrick Rose to consider. Toney Douglas and Iman Shumpert should be able to limit his penetration, but unlike New York's plethora of unproven point guards, Rose does other things when he's not scoring.

And that will prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Bulls 103, Knicks 96 

Record: 8-14

At Boston Celtics, Feb 3

The Knicks won a thriller over the Celtics at the Garden on Christmas day, but this isn't the same Boston team New York faced then.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen will be fully healthy, and there is a strong possibility that Rajon Rondo could return as well. That means trouble.

Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire will have no problem outperforming Jermaine O'Neal and Kevin Garnett, but the real issue is on the perimeter, where Pierce and Allen are lighting it up. Anthony's production will help narrow the gap from the outside, but Rondo's presence will propel the Celtics to victory.

Prediction: Celtics 98, Knicks 94

Record: 8-15 

Vs. New Jersey Nets, Feb 4

After two straight losses and falling seven games under .500, Mike D'Antoni's seat will be scalding. Luckily for him and the rest of the Knicks, though, the team closes out its back-to-back-to-back at home against the Nets.

New Jersey has had some impressive outings lately, most recently their near upset of the Pacers while in Indiana. However, without Brook Lopez and MarShon Brooks, Deron Williams and remaining company are limited in how often such outings occur.

The Knicks will be exhausted here, but also starving for a victory. It won't be a blowout, but New York will find a way to prevail at home.

Prediction: Knicks 109, Nets 104

Record: 9-15 

Vs. Utah Jazz, Feb 6

The Jazz have surprised everyone out the gate, but time is running out on this team's current Cinderella story.

Al Jefferson should be back in action for this contest, making for a great battle down low between him, Paul Millsap, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler.

The difference in this game will come from the outside, where like the Knicks, the Jazz have struggled to find continuity at the point guard position. Devin Harris will match up well against anyone New York throws at him, but Utah doesn't have a Carmelo Anthony stopper.

Anthony will see a lot of double-teams, but his penchant for shooting unwarranted shots every possession will have subsided, so look for him to become a major catalyst and Landry Fields the primary benefactor.

Prediction: Knicks 106, Jazz 98

Record: 10-15

At Washington Wizards, Feb 8

John Wall has finally emerged as a fantasy owner's bread and butter, but the Wizards are nowhere near consistent enough to give the Knicks a run for their money this time around.

When Washington and New York first met, the Knicks barely hung on, winning 99-96. Some will argue this will serve as a vote of confidence for the Wizards, but in reality, it ensures New York won't be caught sleeping again.

Wall's improved production is of major concern, but I have this game pegged for Baron Davis' return. The Knicks will be on the road, so the pressures of the home crowd won't exist, and they will be playing a lesser opponent in the Wizards.

Don't expect Davis to do much statistically, but his presence alone will provide the necessary edge and push New York's winning streak to three games.

Prediction: Knicks 113, Wizards 99

Record: 11-15 

Vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Feb 10

The Knicks got smoked by Kobe Bryant and the Lakers earlier this season in Los Angeles and will be looking for revenge at home.

While New York will be riding a three-game win streak heading into this matchup, Bryant's knack for lighting it up when playing at Madison Square Garden could prove to be the Knicks downfall.

New York finally has an answer for Andrew Bynum in Tyson Chandler, but it has no one to contain Bryant on the world's biggest stage.

In the end, the Knicks will keep it close, but not enough to make the Lakers sweat it out.

Prediction: Lakers 108, Knicks 99

Record: 11-16

At Minnesota Timberwolves, Feb 11

Fresh off a loss at home to the Lakers, the last thing the Knicks are going to want to do is travel, but travel to Minnesota they will.

The Timberwolves are a young team that needs to develop and establish consistency, but they are a threat to win on any given night.

Kevin Love has always played well against New York, and the fact that the Knicks will be weary from their lack of a travel day isn't going to help them keep pace with the elusive Ricky Rubio. 

This will prove to be one of those games where the Knicks look flat and disassociated, which is bad news for Mike D'Antoni, but great news for Minnesota.

Prediction: Timberwolves 109, Knicks 96

Record: 11-17

At Toronto Raptors, Feb 14

When the Knicks land in Toronto, their game against the Raptors will prove to be a must-win—for Mike D'Antoni's sake.

At this point, Baron Davis will have gotten his feet wet during regulation, and New York's failure to exhibit any progress in the win-loss column will put D'Antoni's job on the line. To make matters worse, Andrea Bargnani is expected back in action sometime in early February, meaning there's a better than good chance he plays here.

Despite the controversy and the Knicks' historical struggles to grab wins against Toronto, New York will be well rested and eager to avoid another extended losing streak.

D'Antoni will live to fight another day.

Prediction: Knicks 111, Raptors 97

Record: 12-17

Vs. Sacramento Kings, Feb 15

The Knicks' most complete performance of the season came when they throttled the Kings in Sacramento. It's likely New York wins with ease again, this time at home.

Sacramento is laden with unbalanced talent, and the outlook for the rest of the season isn't favorable. While the Kings have an opportunity to excel in the future, the Knicks are going to take advantage of their continued ineptitude.

After having played the night before, a 22-point romping is unlikely. An easy victory, however, is a different story.

Prediction: Knicks 105, Kings 96

Record: 13-17

Vs. New Orleans Hornets, Feb 17

The good news for the Hornets is that Eric Gordon may be available to play by this time. The bad news, though, is it's at this point that the Knicks begin to actualize the concept of cohesion.

New York will be fresh off two victories and looking to roll. There's no better way to do that than at home against a reeling New Orleans team. Gordon, should he play, will make a slight difference, but not much.

Expect to see Carmelo Anthony exploiting the Hornets' inexperienced perimeter defenders in addition to running circles around Trevor Ariza.

Prediction: Knicks 116, Hornets 97

Record: 14-17

Vs. Dallas Mavericks, Feb 19

After winning three straight games against subpar teams, the matchup against the Mavericks will serve as a measuring stick for how far the Knicks have actually come.

Dallas experienced more than its fair share of struggles early on, but Dirk Nowitzki continues to make his team a force to be reckoned with.

Tyson Chandler is liable to have one of his best games of the season, as the fire always burns brighter when playing against a former club. Nowitzki will go point for point with Anthony, but the low-post tandem of Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire will prove too much for Dallas to handle.

Neither team will run away with the game. There will be numerous lead changes, but in the end, the Knicks will prove to have finally hit their stride.

Prediction: Knicks 103, Dallas 99

Record: 15-17

Vs. New Jersey Nets, Feb 20

Brook Lopez could be back on the floor in time for this matchup, but even if he is, his prolonged absence from play will render him stale and ineffective.

New York will be rolling coming in, having won four straight and finally exhibiting the attributes of a team worth watching.

Regardless of how well Baron Davis is playing at this point, Deron Williams will burn the Knicks from the inside and out. MarShon Brooks will be back and in full swing, but even his offense alongside Williams' production won't be enough to stop New York's train.

The Knicks will cruise to victory as they establish their longest winning streak of the year at the season's halfway point.

Prediction: Knicks 110, Nets 91

Record: 16-17

Vs. Atlanta Hawks, Feb 22

New York's game against Atlanta at the end of the month will prove to be their most important of the season to date, as reaching the .500 mark will be at stake.

The Knicks will be enjoying the last night of a five-game home stand and will be fully aware what's on the line.

Carmelo Anthony thrives in pressure situations, and this game is likely to have a playoff-like atmosphere, suggesting he will light it up. Also, expect Amar'e Stoudemire to have his best game of the season, as both he and Tyson Chandler will exploit the Hawks' lack of a competent low-post presence.

Jeff Teague, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith will keep the game within reach, but the surging Knicks will find a way to prevail in the final two minutes.

Prediction: Knicks 101, Hawks 95

Record: 17-17

At Miami Heat, Feb 23

The Knicks will head into Miami on fire, looking to knock off LeBron James and company nearly a month after suffering a closer-than-advertised loss.

New York will have the luxury of a healthy Carmelo Anthony this time, and you better believe he is going to come out on the floor with a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove he is in the same class as James and Dwyane Wade.

Unfortunately for the Knicks, playing the Heat on the latter part of a back-to-back is never settling. Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler will have developed enough chemistry by now to keep a staggering New York team in the game, but it won't be enough.

The Knicks' winning streak will come to an end as James and Wade combine for 60-plus points, putting New York below the threshold of .500 once again.

Prediction: Heat 97, Knicks 91

Record: 17-18

Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Feb 29

LeBron James or no LeBron James, the Knicks always find a way to falter against the Cavaliers.

After getting some much-needed rest off of the All-Star break, though, New York's unified superstar trio will reverse the team's past shortcomings. Carmelo Anthony and company will make quick work at home against a Cleveland team that began to slip off prior to the break.

The Knicks will close out February in style, bringing themselves back to .500, and well on their way to a strong playoff push.

Prediction: Knicks 115, Cavaliers 96

Record: 18-18

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