The New York Knicks finally snapped their 10-game losing streak when they beat the Boston Celtics on Friday, but followed that up with a loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Now the team is facing numerous injuries that is leaving their lineup in a state of flux. Things are not getting any easier as they face the Dallas Mavericks who are currently averaging 110.0 points per game. Tyson Chandler returns to the Garden as the two teams prepare to face off for the second time this year.
Chandler heads back to New York for the first time since being shipped out in a six-player trade during the offseason. The center was a salary cap casualty carrying one of the biggest contracts on the payroll. With Carmelo Anthony's deal a priority, he had to go. Now, the center sees his former team as they look their absolute worst on a team that is a serious contender to be the best in the West.
"Tyson gave us some good years," forward Amar'e Stoudemire said, via ESPN.com. "He was a true pro and he worked (hard). His defensive methods were great, so I think the crowd will give him a cheer because once you're a Knick, you're always a Knick."
The Mavericks are looking to get back on track after dropping a game to the Golden State Warriors. They have a good chance of dominating the Knicks defense or lack thereof as New York is scoring just 91.7 points per game. When the two teams face off last time, Anthony did not play, but Nowitzki scored 30 points. The Mavericks will be without Chandler Parsons who is averaging 26.0 points per game. He is suffering from back stiffness.
The Knicks are the ones with major injury issues. The team will be without Iman Shumpert who suffered a dislocated shoulder over the weekend and JR Smith who has a tear in his plantar fascia. Tim Hardaway Jr will take over as a starter while Jose Calderon will be relied up heavily as well.
