Pre-Game: Bobcats vs. Knicks 7:30 PM

The New York Knicks will host the Charlotte Bobcats tonight at Madison Square Garden. This will be the third game played at home for the Knicks this season. They are currently 1-1 at home this season with the only lost coming against the Toronto Raptors. Amare Stoudemire has missed the last two games with an ankle injury and tonight he makes his return. The Knicks missed Stoudemire’s scoring in the last game when they struggled to score in the second quarter. Tonight look for Amare to work his way back slowly as he looks to get the rhythm of the game back. Also, rookie guard Iman Shumpert will be back as well after he sprained his right MCL in the season opener against the Boston Celtics. He brings added depth and scoring off the bench.

Tonight’s game is another game the Knicks need to win. The Bobcats do not have many scoring threats, but they do have Kemba Walker coming off the bench. Look for him to be a spark for them tonight, even though the Knicks will win the game. As important that game on Monday was this game is even more important. Wins against the lower teams basically make your record look better. The Knicks have the opportunity to get a win and need to take advantage.

Carmelo Anthony will likely have another big scoring output as he faces a Bobcats team that lacks in defensive intensity. Anthony has played well despite the terrible quarters as a team. Look for the Knicks to get Anthony involved early and get them off and running.

The back court will need to produce tonight. Toney Douglas will need to run the offense more effectively and try to help Anthony get the job done. Also, Landry Fields needs to be more consistent on his shot and his decision making. He is hesitating to much, which is making him predictable. If he can act on first instinct rather than thinking his game will improve.

Lastly, the bench will need to produce more than just ten points. If a bench scores ten points that could be a lost of a game. The Knicks need every person active on both ends of the court which need to lead to stops. This game is going to have lots of energy and plenty of turnovers. The Knicks need to capitalize on every opportunity keep the Bobcats from winning this game.