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What: New York Knicks (37-29) at Phoenix Suns (47-19)
When: 7:00 PM AZ Time
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Watch: Bally Sports Arizona
Listen: 98.7 FM
The Suns and the Knicks look to get back on track with a win, and to get that momentum back headed into the playoffs. What you can count on is effort from both teams.
This Knicks team is a team to get up for, and to play with enthusiasm. A revenge game for the Knicks after they lost to the Suns in their last matchup, 118-110, will give that extra boost that might be hard to catch for the Suns.
Into the playoffs we go... soon. When I think of playoffs I think of; fouls, physical play, and coaching.
The true leaders of both squads, head coach Monty Williams of the Suns and Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau are up for the coach of the year award this year, turning their respected franchises around this season. A 2-0 record against the Knicks would definitely seal the deal for Monty, taking home the award at the end of the year.
Projected starting lineups
Suns
- Chris Paul
- Devin Booker
- Mikal Bridges
- Torrey Craig
- Deandre Ayton
Injuries: Jae Crowder (out), Abdel Nader (out)
Knicks
- Elfrid Payton
- Reggie Bullock
- RJ Barrett
- Julius Randle
- Nerlens Noel
Injuries: Mitchell Robinson (out), Alec Burks (out), Immanuel Quickley (day-to-day)
Suns report
All Suns fans will admit that the last game against the Atlanta Hawks ending in a loss on Wednesday night was a hard watch, but might have been expected. The OT win against the Cleveland Cavaliers set the tone for the next night in tired legs and sleepy eyes.
The magic of chemistry on this Suns team is the thing that other teams do not have. A long/ short season lead to many hours together on and off the court. With this team in sync for most of the year and players like Dario Saric, getting back into his grove, and Cameron Johnson now starting to drip like a broken faucet, this team stays together and will support each other through rough stretches of the season.
The media and fans, will try to pry and and put pressure on where this team is broken. When Jae Crowder returns to the starting line-up, the Suns will be in full force and you couldn’t ask for much more momentum heading into the playoffs.
Knicks report
Just like that, it is cool to be a New York Knick again. The stars in Brooklyn continue to fight through injuries, but even if they managed to all play together for once would it even be a fun watch? Let me rephrase that. Wouldn’t it be a better to watch Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving play on the Knicks? 100% yes.
This Knicks team is on their own schedule, and any winning in New York will instantly earn support. But then you better continue to win and also add another star.
Rumors this offseason will be rocking twitter. Who will be stolen away and placed in New York when fans return and we are all back to normal.
What you will find this season, is tough play and young talent. That will only last for so long until Knicks fans will want more... and that will be as soon as this offseason.
Prediction
On the Suns JAM Session podcast, I did predict the Knicks to win... and it may happen. But the effort from Ayton against the Noel in the middle will be the difference.
The resurgence of dominant Ayton on the offensive glass would be a great sight to see and will lead the Suns to a win if present.