Knicks Preview: 5 Keys to Defeating the Charlotte Hornets

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Nov 11, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks forward

Carmelo Anthony

(7) catches a pass as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard

Nicolas Batum

(5) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 95-93. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Knicks have fared better than anyone could’ve realistically expected. Despite playing nine of its 11 games against teams that made the playoffs in 2014-15, New York is 5-6 with no loss coming by more than a closer-than-it-seems 11 points.

On Tuesday, November 17, the Knicks will have a manageable chance to reach .500 as they host the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden.

Charlotte defeated New York 95-93 on Wednesday, November 11 when Kristaps Porzingis‘ game-winner was controversially waved off. Less than one week later, Porzingis and company will have revenge on their minds against the foes from down south.

Vengeance will need to be achieved if New York is to make it out of the upcoming road trip in somewhat decent shape.

It may be November, but the Knicks are already facing the pressure. Not only are they preparing to embark on a four-game road trip, but their opponents will be the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic.

Three of those four opponents are viewed as championship contenders. The fourth, Orlando, has been extremely competitive, suffering four of its six losses by five points or less.

Simply put, New York needs to enter the upcoming stretch with a win. How can it do so?

Next: The Other Guys