In the Battle for the Big Apple, the season series between the New York Knicks (18-6) and the Brooklyn Nets (13-11) is split at one win apiece for each of these crosstown rivals, and their new rivalry will take a new turn when the Brooklyn franchise visits Madison Square Garden for the first time ever tonight.
The Knicks are looking to bounce back after their previously undefeated home record snapped at 10 games after a loss to Houston on Monday. Meanwhile, Brooklyn looks to stop the slide after dropping seven of their last nine games.
While Knicks superstar and early season MVP candidate Carmelo Anthony is still questionable for tonight's game with a sprained ankle, Nets center Brook Lopez, who had a big game against the Knicks in their first meeting, could be a game-changing presence after returning from a sprained right foot.
Latinos Post breaks down the key match-ups for tonight:
Center: Tyson Chandler, Knicks vs. Brook Lopez, Nets
Chandler has come up big against Brooklyn in their previous two games at the Barclays Center, including a 28-point showing against the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 26.All in all, he is averaging 16.5 points against the Nets for the season and could be a big factor on both ends tonight.
However, Lopez, who had a monster game against New York in their first round with 22 points and 11 rebounds, would love nothing more than to make an impact after averaging 14.3 points in his last three games since returning from a foot injury.
Advantage: Even
Power forward: Chris Copeland, Knicks vs. Kris Humphries, Nets
With the possibility that Anthony could sit for a third straight game as he nurses his sprained ankle, the ball would go to Copeland, a natural scorer who has been steadily improving this season, and scored an impressive 29 points against the Rockets on Monday.
He'll have a challenge against Humphries, who doesn't score much, but is a solid rebounder and defender for Brooklyn.
Advantage: Even
Small forward: Ronnie Brewer, Knicks vs. Gerald Wallace
Brewer is a great defender, but he will have to summon all of his talents on "D" if he means to stop Wallace, who has scored 16.2 points in the last two meetings against the Knicks.
Advantage: Nets
Shooting guard: Jason Kidd, Knicks vs. Joe Johnson, Nets
The last time around, Kidd had a huge game in Brooklyn, scoring 18 points and dishing six assists, including a clutch three-pointer with seconds left in the fourth quarter to help the Knicks beat the Nets 100-97 on Dec. 11.
Normally a lethal scorer at over 17 points for the season, Johnson hasn't been as effective against the Knicks, averaging only 12 points in Brooklyn's two games against New York for the season. However, the 11-year pro can still erupt for a big game at any time.
Advantage: Even
Point Guard: Raymond Felton, Knicks vs. Deron Williams, Nets
Felton has been on fire in the last 10 games, averaging 18 points and 6.2 assists in what is looking like a potential All-Star season for him. However, he has not been as great against Brooklyn, scoring only eight points and six assists in their November and December games.
Williams, who is having another fine season, is also averaging 18 points to go with 7.2 assists in the last 10 games of play, while totaling an average of 17 points and a staggering 12.0 assists against the Knicks this season. This battle could determine the game, which is why Felton must have a strong night while guarding Williams tightly if the Knicks want a chance to win.
Advantage: Nets