Pre-Game: Knicks vs. Lakers 10:30 PM

The New York Knicks will look to rebound against the Los Angles Lakers tonight at the Staples Center. This is a very important game for the Knicks who have struggled at certain points in the game. Last night the Knicks lost after they led for most of the game. Carmelo Anthony struggled to score the ball as he ended the game with 13 points. This was a very bad game for the Knicks simply because they couldn’t score the ball. Tonight the Knicks will have to play hard and tough in order for them to win.

The key for this game is Toney Douglas and his ability to eat up the Laker point guards. He has been a bit suspect on the defensive end going back to last season. But tonight he will have an advantage over the Laker point guards in Derek Fisher and Steve Blake.  Douglas needs to play on both ends of the floor and show the Knicks that he can start for them. At this moment the Knicks haven’t received anything great out of Douglas who can score 16 points, but give up 25. That cannot happen from a guy who is supposed to be great on the defensive end.

The Lakers are 1-2 on the season and are looking for another win after their 25 point blowout of the Utah Jazz. Kobe Bryant has played well after he suffered a wrist injury. Carmelo Anthony will have his hands full as he will take on Bryant. So far this season Bryant is averaging 27.7 points per game this season. Bryant has also been passing the ball really well to start the season. He has had over five assists to start the season in every game. It will be hard to contain Bryant, but the Knicks will need to try to limit his production.

This game will test the Knicks on both ends of the court, but the Knicks can win this game. Andrew Bynum is out for tonight’s game as he serves his final game of a four game suspension. The Lakers are starting two new players in Josh McRoberts, and Devin Ebanks. It is very important that the Knicks come out and win this game simply because the Lakers are shorthanded.

The Knicks need to come out with energy and make this game count. Otherwise they will guarantee a losing road trip that will finish up in Sacramento on Saturday.