Pre-Game: Knicks vs. Raptors 7:00 PM

The New York Knicks will face the Toronto Raptors tonight looking to get their sixth straight win. This has been a nice run the Knicks have started to put together. It has all started because of their defense, which has a new intensity and energy that is making them tough to beat.

Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire are playing with a renewed energy that is resonating with the rest of the team. Anthony has had some rough shooting performances over this winning streak, but he is doing other things to help the team get some wins. Anthony has been very locked in defensively and is looking to pass more when his shot is not falling. As the leader of the team Anthony has to continue playing this way and be the leader this team needs.

Jeremy Lin has been very good in limiting the amount of turnovers per game. Lin is having the same success even though there was a change in the system. The slower pace is allowing Lin to make the right passes and the right decisions. Lin has shown already that he can still be productive in a half court offense which the Knicks use more often now. He is still having an impact on the game which can only help the Knicks at that position.

Over the last five games the Knicks have had a different leading scorer in just about every game. That has been the beauty of this streak in that the Knicks have been winning as a team. The bench has been very good and are contributing on both ends of the floor. Tonight the Knicks will need energy on both ends of the floor to win this game. Everyone needs to play hard and play smart. This game is in the Knicks favor, but they still have to come out and win the game.

Also the Knicks will be without Jared Jeffries at least for the next two games as he tries to recover from a sore right knee. Look for the Knicks to play Josh Harrellson at the center spot tonight in place of Jeffries.

This has been by far a nice run the Knicks have put together hoping tonight it can continue. This game will start at 7:00 PM and will be televised on MSG. Let’s go Knicks!