Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher during second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 110-82.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
Current Record: (6-36)
Predicted Record: (8-38)
Call me crazy but I think this might be a big week for the New York Knicks…and by big I mean I think they might win not 1, but 2 games within the course of the next seven days. They finally snapped their losing streak on Monday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, despite revealing some glaring weaknesses in defending the perimeter following the Iman Shumpert trade.
This week they start out in Philadelphia, facing the 76ers. As mentioned before, both teams have essentially been the worst the NBA has had to offer record-wise (setting aside the Minnesota Timberwolves). Despite this, the star presence of Carmelo Anthony may be just what the Knicks need to win the battle at the bottom, and their second straight game as a result.
Daily Knicks
The games that follow the contest with the Sixers for Derek Fisher’s squad all present some opportunity for more Knicks victories. While by no means should we expect the Knickerbockers to be on a five-game win streak by the time next Tuesday rolls around, there certainly is hope they could sneak away with a couple of wins. The Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings are both teams who have been sitting near the bottom of their respective conferences for a number of years, and this year has been no different. While both of their records currently stand firmly above that of the Knicks, they are by no means far superior, especially with a majority of the Knicks’ injured roster returning to action on Monday night.
Their other game comes against a Charlotte Hornet team who has struggled to live up to the expectations many had for them at the start of the season. They haven’t seemed to be able to put it all together just yet this season and they have some glaring defensive shortcomings that several Knick vets might be able to capitalize on.
Player Coach to Watch: While normally a player is highlighted in this section, it should actually be very interesting to watch and see if Derek Fisher can maintain control of this team, especially if they’re able to muster up a series of wins. There is a shroud of doubt surrounding Fisher, as many wonder whether it is he or Phil Jackson pulling the strings in the Big Apple. His players continue to back him as a leader but his lack of success as a coach thus far certainly calls his abilities to run a team into question. This week look for him to try and raise his team as a whole to meet the occasion.
Next: Toronto Raptors