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New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets: How and what to watch for

By Maxwell Ogden

BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Trevor Booker #35 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Trevor Booker #35 of the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 12, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 120-112. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 3: Frank Ntilikina #11 of the New York Knicks handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Matchup To Watch: The Point Guards

The New York Knicks have a number of matchups that could be pinpointed and targeted. The most obvious choice is Kristaps Porzingis against the Brooklyn Nets’ undersized forwards, but the key to success will be found at the position that must create for the franchise player.

After three consecutive games of dreadful play at the point guard position, the Knicks will need to improve in order to defeat the Brooklyn Nets.

Thankfully, help may be on the way.

Frank Ntilikina returning would provide the Knicks with a big body to utilize on the defensive end of the floor. It would also give New York a spark on offense, as the rookie point guard is eager to get his teammates involved and is still hungry for his first NBA points.

The question is: Will Ron Baker and Ramon Sessions make the most of the minutes they receive as both playmakers and defenders?

Brooklyn doesn’t have a proven star, but point guard D’Angelo Russell is averaging 23.0 points and 5.5 assists in just 28.8 minutes per game. In the one game that Russell missed, Spencer Dinwiddie posted 22 points and six assists in an upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Point guard seems to be a strength for the Nets, which means the Knicks’ lead guards will need to play at a significantly higher level than they have thus far.

Note: D’Angelo Russell is considered doubtful for Friday’s game.

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