The New York Knicks have very real problems ... just as they have had all year. The trade for Carmelo Anthony didn't solve New York's gaping hole at center, and the Knicks have struggled to be even mediocre on defense. Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, a legit MVP candidate, feasts on even the best defenses. Against the Knicks? He eats until the catatonia sets in.
Magic Vs. Knicks: Dwight Howard Seeks To Pound New York (Again)
In two matchups against the Knicks this season (both Orlando wins), Howard has averaged 27 points and 17 rebounds. Before the Anthony trade, the Knicks often offered up Amar'e Stoudemire at center and Wilson Chandler in the frontcourt; since Chandler now plays for Denver, Stoudemire has been paired with Jared Jeffries, Ronny Turiaf and (for precious few minutes) Shelden Williams. It's not an upgrade, to say the least, though Turiaf and Williams can certainly defend. Mike D'Antoni, though, knows his bread is buttered on offense, and each is a minus. (Jeffries is rare in that he's a minus on both ends.)
If New York is to reverse its destiny and beat the Magic at Madison Square Garden Wednesday night (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), the Knicks will need to win most of the other battles. That means that Stoudemire not just has to score against Orlando, but he has to prevent Ryan Anderson from getting open long-range looks. That means that Anthony and Chauncey Billups must be efficient to counter Howard's production, and whatever Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson produce. It means a Knicks defense unaccustomed to success must make Hedo Turkoglu uncomfortable as a playmaker.
Anything can happen, and the Magic are no strangers to temporary losses of focus. But the likelihood of an Orlando win is rather high. For more on the Knicks, check out Posting And Toasting and SB Nation New York. For Magic analysis and news, visit Orlando Pinstriped Post.
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