2. Contain Damian Lillard
C.J. McCollum is solidifying his star status, but the Portland Trail Blazers live and die by the presence of Damian Lillard. Thus far in 2016-17, Portland is 6-1 when Lillard scores at least 30 points and 2-6 when he scores less than 30.
Considering Lillard has scored at least 30 points in 46.7 percent of Portland’s games, it’s a fair bet that he’ll be a threat to do so against the New York Knicks.
Lillard is currently averaging 28.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 3-point field goals made in 35.4 minutes per game. He’s doing so on an efficient slash line of .460/.349/.893 and is committing just 2.9 turnovers per game.
For those who believe those numbers to be unsustainable, Lillard averaged 25.1 points, 6.1 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.1 3-point field goals made per game in 2015-16.
Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings are far from elite defenders, but they’re both capable of disrupting Lillard’s game. Rose can still be a quality defender when focused and Jennings is averaging 1.3 steals in 22.2 minutes per game—2.1 per 36 minutes.
If Jennings and Rose play hard, and Justin Holiday and Courtney Lee rotate adequately to pick up the slack, the Knicks can contain Lillard.