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New York Knicks: Players to watch for against Hornets

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 14: Damyean Dotson #21 of the New York Knicks in action against the Dallas Mavericks at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2019 in New York City. New York Knicks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks will face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, Nov. 16. Who are the players to watch for?

Following a win over the Dallas Mavericks, the New York Knicks will remain at home, preparing to face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, Nov. 16. Coach David Fizdale’s team has a chance at their first winning streak of the season, which could change at least some of the negativity from the past few weeks, even if for 24-48 hours.

The Knicks had players step up along the way against Dallas and they have the opportunity to do the same for the second time in three days. Who are the ones to watch for?

Frank Ntilikina

Usually, not the one to load the box score, Frank Ntilikina will find himself covering Terry Rozier and the surging Devonte Graham in the backcourt. The former averages 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, while the latter averages 18 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists.

As long as Ntilikina avoids foul trouble, he should remain a reliable figure for the Knicks to utilize against Charlotte’s young guards.

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Dennis Smith Jr.

The other point guard, Dennis Smith Jr. returned to full speed against Dallas. Saturday’s game could be an encore, continuing to build the confidence garnered in front of a red-hot Madison Square Garden crowd. Look for him to split time with Ntilikina, but off the bench.

Mitchell Robinson

Cody Zeller has risen from a few years of mediocrity to average 12.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. He will likely be Mitchell Robinson‘s man to cover on the boards, battling for rebounds along the way.

Robinson just returned from a concussion against the Mavericks to post 16 points and eight rebounds in 22 minutes. Even before this, Fizdale had not pushed the second-year center’s on-court time. That may not change given the recurring injuries to open the season, but he could swap spots with Taj Gibson in the starting lineup.

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Damyean Dotson

Quietly, Damyean Dotson has received more playing time at the back of the Knicks’ rotation, playing a season-high 23 minutes on Thursday. With four steals in the past three games and a knack for hitting outside shots, Fizdale, for the second consecutive season, has seemingly entrusted this two-way player with a consistent role. It could change since Allonzo Trier and Wayne Ellington frequently receive “DNP-CDs,” but look for Dotson to extend his opportunity this weekend.

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