NJ Nets vs. NY Knicks: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Jeremy Lin show will continue in Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The superstar point guard, fresh off the best game of his young career, will lead the New York Knicks as they take on the New Jersey Nets.
The Nets are a mess right now. They rank in the bottom of the league in every major statistical category, including points, rebounds, assists and points allowed. They have lost 11 of their last 13 games.
The Knicks—or the Lins, as they will soon be known—have turned their season around thanks to the emergence of the young point guard. He has made everyone around him better, and the team has taken off since he entered the starting lineup two weeks ago.
Where: Madison Square Garden in New York, New York
When: Monday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: YES Network (New Jersey); MSG Network (New York)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass, prices start at $29.95 per month
Betting Line: New York (-9.5), according to Vegas Insider
New Jersey Nets Injury Report (via CBS Sports)
Out: SF Shawne Williams (Shoulder, Knee, Foot), C Mehmet Okur (Back), SF Damion Jones (Foot), PG Jordan Farmar (Groin), SG Keith Bogans (Ankle)
New York Knicks Injury Report (via CBS Sports)
Probable: C Tyson Chandler (Wrist)
Questionable: SG Bill Walker (Elbow), SF Carmelo Anthony (Groin), PG Baron Davis (Back)
Out: C Josh Harrellson (Wrist)
What They're Saying
Jeremy Lin might be the biggest bandwagon draw in sports since Tim Tebow. His performance against the Dallas Mavericks was enough to convince Jason Terry, who was not buying into the hype before Sunday, that he just might be the real deal in time.
From the New York Daily News:
"“I still feel that way. He’s going to put up numbers with the ball in his hands. How can he not? But he surprised me by staying aggressive. I’m proud of him, watching his journey and where he’s come from. He’s persevered and he’s shown a lot of toughness.’’
"
Terry is right to keep this in perspective—it has been just nine games. But Lin is making all the right moves now that he has been given a chance to show what he can do.
Most Important Player: PG Jeremy Lin
Way to go out on a limb, right?
Still, you can't deny the way that Lin has taken over the point guard position for the Knicks. The offense is more efficient, there is a clear direction and someone actually understands how to run the point the way that Mike D'Antoni's system requires.
It will be difficult for him to top his 28 points, 14 rebounds and five steals against Dallas on Sunday, but we have learned to put nothing past this young man.
Key Matchup: Point Guard vs. Point Guard
Marquee matchups at the point guard position are rare in the NBA these days, so when you get one like Lin vs. Deron Williams, it makes you stand up and take notice.
Even though the Nets have been a disaster this season, Williams has been everything they could have hoped for. He is averaging almost 22 points per game, dishing out eight assists and grabbing three rebounds.
Lin has had his way with the NBA since being inserted into the starting lineup, save for one hiccup against New Orleans on Friday. He creates his own shots, gets teammates involved and is fearless in the most critical moments.
Prediction
The Knicks are rolling. The Nets are 9-24. It will take a heroic effort on Williams' part for New Jersey to win this game.
Knicks 99, Nets 84
