Since the All-Star break, the New York Knicks have played two games in the span of eight days. The extra time off and subsequent practice time for the revamped roster hopefully will be a benefit as they visit the weary Dallas Mavericks in Tuesday’s best NBA game.
The Mavericks (22-17) are coming off a controversial loss Monday night at Oklahoma City. Playing their fourth game in five nights will present a challenge as they are just 3-3 at home against Eastern Conference teams and have dropped six of their last eight games overall, a streak that began with a road loss to the Knicks (18-19).
Dallas likely will be without center Brendan Haywood, who sprained his ankle in the previous game. Ian Mahinmi probably will start as his replacement.
The Mavs have dominated the Knicks in recent years, winning 17 of the last 20 meetings. However, they lost the last matchup at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 19, with Linsanity at its peak. They will look to avoid being swept by New York in a season series for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.
Rick Carlisle will have to come up with a different game plan the second time around. Aside from the fact that Jeremy Lin torched his team for 28 points and 14 assists, the Knicks also did not have Carmelo Anthony or Baron Davis in the previous meeting.
It hasn’t all been great news and fun times for New York since the return of Anthony. The Knicks were 7-1 without him but have struggled to gel with him, dropping three of five and alternating wins and losses.
Ironically, Lin’s first NBA team was Dallas as a member of its summer league team in 2010. Following a sensational three-week stretch, he has been a bit erratic of late as he learns to adjust to playing alongside Anthony. The second-year sensation has scored 20 points or more just once since Anthony’s return after doing so in eight of nine games.
Lin also has been inconsistent away from home, shooting under 50 percent in four of five road games. At home, Lin has shot 50% or better in 10 of 12 contests.
Despite the recent struggles and some New York media drama, Lin is the starting point guard of the Knicks for the long haul.
Tyson Chandler makes his anticipated return to Dallas after playing a key role in their unlikely championship last season. He has been playing through a wrist injury that will likely nag him throughout the season.