Knicks vs. Timberwolves: 5 Things to Watch for in Rubio vs. Lin Showdown

Jeremy Lin vs. Ricky Rubio is a matchup that is going to captivate fans. These two youngsters are on track to be the future of the point guard position. 

That is a statement that would have brought a chorus of laughter before the season, but, all of a sudden, it is undeniably true. 

Rubio has a had a solid season filled with highlight-worthy passes and exciting play. Meanwhile, Lin has been on the fast track to stardom after going from a little used reserve for the New York Knicks to a scintillating star in the course of four games.

And now these two are set to go head-to-head. Here is a breakdown of the matchup.  

Can Rubio Force Lin into Turnovers

One of the real underrated aspects of Rubio's game is his defensive potential. He is still a bit raw, and is not a lockdown defender, but he shows real flashes. 

He has good size and amazing quickness. He also has amazing hand speed. 

This allows him to pick the pockets of his man. On the season, he is averaging a league-leading 2.4 steals per game. 

And if there is one thing Lin can improve on from his last four games, it is in ball protection. He has had games of six and eight turnovers in that stretch. 

Can Lin Keep Rubio on the Perimeter

Rubio is not an adept outside shooter. He is hitting just 32.8 percent of his three-point shots. He does the majority of his damage by penetrating into the lane and breaking down a defense. 

Lin needs to keep this in mind at all times. He doesn't need to get in Rubio's face to prevent the outside shot. In fact, that is exactly what he wants Lin to take. 

He will need to play a step off and close out his penetration and passing lanes. 

Watch for the Spectacular

Both of these dynamic young players have a real flare for the dramatic and the spectacular, and they produce that spectacular in different ways. 

Rubio does it with mind-bending and flashy passes, while Lin is more of a heady player, with a good shot and a penchant to perform in the clutch. 

There are going to be plenty of highlights to come out of this matchup. 

The Scoreboard

While the two point guards are stealing all the headlines, this is a big game for both of their teams. 

Lin has helped save the Knicks season from sinking into the abyss. With four straight wins, the Knicks are now 12-15. They will be fighting hard to keep their momentum going and use that for a big second half to this shortened season. 

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have been a surprise this year, but they have lost two straight games and are now 13-14 and in 11th place in the cluttered Western Conference. They need to get back on the winning track if they want to hang in the playoff race. 

The Linsanity

While this is going to be a great matchup, in the end it is all about Lin. His instant rise into stardom is unprecedented. 

He has come out of nowhere to become the face of a franchise and the talk of the NBA world, and with what is now four great performances in a row, he is quickly passing fluke status and entering into a legitimate star. 

So just sit back, watch and then remember the time you witnessed the birth of an icon.