Carmelo Anthony vs. LeBron James: Predictions and Analysis of Their Sunday Match
Carmelo Anthony vs. LeBron James—the next generation—is about to get underway.
Sunday will be the first matchup between the two as Eastern Conference rivals, and it is the hottest ticket in town.
If you got $2,500 to burn you can attend the Heat-Knicks matchup on Sunday. That means if you already have a ticket chances are you are tying to sell it for $2,500.
Also, that probably means just like me you'll be watching it on TV.
And when Carmelo and LeBron go head-to-head it is almost always worth watching.
In light of that, here is some analysis of the matchup to get you ready and a few 100 percent correct predictions if can't wait to discover the outcome.
The Melo Elbow
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First things first, Anthony tweaked his elbow in the Knicks loss to the Cavaliers on Friday.
He said today that he would "without a doubt" play against the Heat on Sunday.
He also the said the injury, that he told coach Mike D'Antoni was a lingering bursa sac issue, would prevent him from being 100 percent for a couple of weeks.
He didn't shoot much at the Knicks Saturday practice and the majority of those were taken with his off hand.
I wouldn't expect that to effect him much come game time.
Setting the Table: The Career Overview
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Anthony and James have been connected since they entered the NBA. They entered at the league at the same time, they play the same position, they have dominated, and they produce similar results.
For his career, Carmelo averages 24.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
LeBron checks in at 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.
LeBron has always played with the ball in his hands more than Carmelo, and their new teams have done little to change this or any of their other career trends.
While both these guys are surrounded with better scorers than ever, they remain the main guy their teams are going to look towards to be the focal point of the offense.
Head-to-Head History
3 of 10This rivalry and friendship goes back to their high school days.
Carmelo Anthony took on LeBron James in one of the most epic high school matchups high school has ever known.
The game was the same day and in the same city as the NBA All-Star game, and the stands were filled with NBA scouts. Carmelo and LeBron did not let the scouts down.
As LeBron himself said, "I guess we put on the show they wanted—dunks in traffic, steals off the dribble, sweet and soft ten-footers, three-pointers..."
LeBron went for 36 and Carmelo went for 34.
LeBron left with the MVP trophy, but Carmelo left with the victory. It is a trend that has continued.
Head-to-Head Recent History
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From their first matchup to their most recent:
Over the last year and a half, they have met only one time. LeBron missed their only opportunity to matchup this year, and Carmelo missed the first one in the 2009-10 season.
The one time they did get on the court together made up for the missed opportunities.
Almost exactly a year ago, LeBron and Melo waged an OT thriller.
Carmelo went for six rebounds, seven assists, one steal, two blocks and 40 points on 28 shots.
LeBron went for a mind-boggling triple-double. He finished with 13 rebounds, 15 assists, two steals, four blocks and 43 points on 33 shots.
Ultimately, Carmelo had the last laugh as he hit the winning shot to propel his Nuggets over James' Cavs, 118-116.
Oh Yeah, There Are Teams Involved: Franchise Rivalry
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There is more to this game than just the rivalry of the two superstars. The Heat and Knicks have developed an intense rivalry in the relatively short life-span of the Heat.
It started when Pat Riley jumped ship for the warm shores of Miami.
The following period produced one of the best and most hotly contested rivalries of the late-90s. As Jeff Van Gundy can tell you, when these two teams met, the rule books went out the window.
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the Heat have also had to endure a large population of Knicks fans in their own backyard as the Floridian New York transplants have not forgotten their Knick heritage.
While this rivalry may have been dormant for a few years, it is suddenly relevant again.
The Supporting Cast
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While Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudamire are all All-Stars, they are supporting players to the main attraction on Sunday.
Here is where LeBron will enjoy an unfamiliar advantage over Carmelo. He is on the deeper team with more scoring options.
The matchup of Bosh and Stoudamire will be fun to watch. Bosh and Stoudamire have matched up twice this season. Neither of the power forwards likes to over-exert themselves on defense.
They will likely both allow buckets while they focus on scoring them.
However, the trade for Carmelo has left the Knicks hurting for size up front, and this is going to add some pressure on Stoudamire.
We'll keep that in mind as we enter the predictions.
LeBron's Projections
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LeBron James will not have his old friend, spite, motivating him to scoring heights in this game. He will be playing at home, he and Carmelo are friends, and the Knicks have not tweeted anything negative about LeKing.
He is going to be playing facilitator in this one. While he will be on his game in the bright lights this matchup demands, he will be more content watching his teammates shoot the rock.
LeBron's Stat Line: 22 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds
Melo's Projections
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Carmelo is still trying to get acquainted with his new offense and teammates. While he is always going to be able to score, he is going to need some time to regain the overall flow of his game.
He is also battling that pesky injury to his elbow sac. He is going to have is work cut out for him.
I expect him to rise to the challenge, although maybe not efficiently.
Carmelo's Stat Line: 29 points, 4 assists, 7 rebounds, 6 turnovers
The Best of the Rest
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Here's the deal, Chauncey, Amare and Wade are all going to put up at least 20. It will be Chris Bosh who steals the show, though.
With a lack of bodies to throw at Bosh, he is going to mop up on the offensive glass. Amare will play a great game, but wear out in the end.
Chris Bosh's Stat Line: 31 points, 13 rebounds
And the Winner Is...
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You've probably guessed by the stat lines who I am going with here.
Also, you've probably come to your own conclusions by looking at the rosters. The Knicks just don't have the manpower to keep up with the Heat—especially on the road.
Final Score: Heat 111, Knicks 98
