Jeremy Lin: Predictions for Lin Against NBA's Elite PGs

Jeremy Lin began the second half of the season nicely vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers, but bigger tests are coming through the first two weeks of March. Lin benefited from the break, but chances are, so has his next opponent.

Lin and the Knicks will travel to Boston this Sunday for a nationally televised game against the Celtics, and that means a head-to-head matchup with Rajon Rondo. On Tuesday, he will see Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs, and on March, 12th, he will face his biggest test, at Chicago against Derrick Rose.

Here is a breakdown, and my prediction for Lin and his counterparts' performances in those games:

Sunday, March 4th at Boston

The Celtics really needed the All-Star break to revitalize their aging legs. Since the break, they have won two games in a row, and you can expect the entire team to be amped up to play the Knicks and Jeremy Lin.

This will be the second true rivalry game Lin has played in, and the Knicks will be hoping he fares better in this one, than he did against the Heat. Miami's suffocating defense held him to his worst performance since taking the reigns of the Knicks' offense.

He was 1-for-11 from the field, with eight turnovers in that game. How will he fare against the C's and Rondo? 

A little better.

Rondo is extremely quick and savvy on defense. On offense, he moves very well without the ball. He is also adept at dribble penetration and finishing. Rondo is having perhaps his best season with averages of 14 points and 9.6 assists per game. This toolbox of skills will keep Lin busy on both ends of the floor. 

All those things add up to an extremely tough cover for Lin.

Add into that the nasty defensive intensity the Celtics' team defense will bring, and we just may see Lin receive his first truly hard foul.

It will be interesting to see how he responds to something like that. He is a very tough, young player, but he looked overwhelmed by the moment against the Heat.

Will he still be overmatched?

My prediction:

Lin 15 PTS, 7 AST, 5 TO

Rondo 24 PTS, 10 AST, 3 TO

Celtics win 93-88

Wednesday, March 7th at San Antonio

The Spurs are rock solid at home, even without Manu Ginobili. San Antonio is 13-2 in the AT&T Center so this will be yet another tough environment.

Tony Parker is among the quickest point guards in the NBA, and Lin will not be able to guard him. Parker is averaging 19 points and eight assists to lead the Spurs this season.

On the other hand, Parker is small at 6'0" and not a stout defender in his own right. Lin's size and strength advantage will be an issue for Parker.

Both players should have a solid game. In fact, getting the other into foul trouble could be the key to one team gaining the edge. 

Neither man is a great outside shooter, so it's all about taking it to the basket. If Lin can do that, as well as involve his teammates, the Knicks can win this game. 

The two players will likely cancel each other out; this will come down to their teammates and rebounding. Both teams have had problems on the glass this year. The Knicks are ranked 21st and the Spurs 24th on the boards.

Whoever wins the battle of the boards will win the game.

My prediction:

Lin 27 PTS, 8 AST, 4 TO

Parker 30 PTS, 5 AST, 4 TO

Spurs 100, Knicks 98

Monday, March 12th at Chicago

This is the truest test for Lin. Not only is Rose arguable the best point guard in the NBA, and the reigning MVP, he is also the most impressive athlete Lin will ever have to compete against head to head.

There is no way Lin can guard Rose, and you can bet Rose will be ready to compete. Rose will have to be smart on defense, as he does have the tendency to pick up silly fouls; he'll have to be wary of that, as Lin is crafty.

Rose is a decent defender, but not amazing, so Lin could have some success offensively. Also, it is asking a lot of Rose to guard Lin and push the offense the way he does. Lin keeps the ball in his possession as much as any point guard in the NBA, so Rose better have his Wheaties that morning.

In the end, Rose is the rare matchup for Lin where he has neither the size, strength nor speed advantage. Rose will have a huge game, as he consistently blows by Lin and puts pressure on the Knicks' suspect defense.

The Bulls are one of, if not the best, defensive teams in the NBA, allowing only 88 points per game, which is second-best in the league.

They will hold Lin to a respectable game. Rose won't be able to take all the credit for the job they do on him; it will be a team effort, as is normally the case with Chicago.

The Bulls are 14-2 at home, and the United Center has been the toughest building for opponents to win over the past two seasons. The Bulls are 53-4 at home since last season. All this is too much to overcome Lin and the Knicks.

My prediction

Lin 13 PTS, 7 AST, 6 TO

Rose 32 PTS, 7 AST, 4 TO

Bulls 95, Knicks 85

After this stretch, it will be apparent the Knicks are a solid team, but next year is their year for true contention. Jeremy Lin is a solid point guard, but not yet elite.