Tonight the New York Knicks are looking for their sixth straight win as they go up against the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks have a huge addition to their lineup tonight as Amare Stoudemire returns to the lineup after missing the last four games due to the death of his brother.
This game will be watched very 
closely to see if Stoudemire can find some success with Jeremy Lin. There is absolutely no question that Stoudemire will dominate tonight. Lin is the type of player that can get the ball to Stoudemire and allow him to get the shot or get to the hoop. After the last week without Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony the Knicks played very well. This game tonight will hopefully give the Knicks the added punch that can make them very dangerous going through the rest of the season.
After a week of success from Jeremy Lin, he is looking to continue that tonight against the Raptors. Lin has averaged 27.25 points since his first start against the Utah Jazz four games ago. He has been everything the Knicks have needed this season. His ability to create for others makes him very valuable. Lin is averaging 8.25 assists during the last four games and is making the offense run much more smoothly. Look for the offense to be more dangerous tonight as Amare Stoudemire returns.
Tyson Chandler has produced for this team in the absence of the two stars. He and Lin have played the pick and roll to perfection. Tonight Lin will have another pick and roll option in Stoudemire. Both big men will get the ball often and could take advantage of the Raptors weak front.
The Knicks have been benefiting from great support from Steve Novak, Jared Jeffries, Iman Shumpert, and Landry Fields. All four players have had success from having a point guard who could pass the ball to them when open. Novak is the perfect example because he has been put in his spots to thrive in. He has looked better defensively and has rebound the ball really well. Tonight expect all of them to have a major impact on the game.
The Raptors have beaten some good teams this season, but their record is not reflective of that. Andrea Bargnani has missed a bunch of games this season and he will be out again tonight. Bargnani has been battling a calf injury and hasn’t practiced in weeks. He is a major lost for their team who need their number one option on the floor. But the Raptors do have Jose Calderon who has played very well this season. Lin will have to stop his penetration and his ability to create for others. This game is a very key one for the Knicks if they want to continue their winning streak.
Tonight’s game can be watched on MSG at 7:00 PM. This game won’t be easy, but the Knicks need to keep fighting and win another game. Let’s go Knicks!
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