Game Info:
New York Knicks (23-29) vs. Denver Nuggets (20-31)
Madison Square Garden (1:00 p.m.)
TV: MSG, Radio: ESPN NY 98.7
Knicks Report:
Without Carmelo Anthony (sore left knee) or Lance Thomas (concussion symptoms), the Knicks battled the Grizzlies down to the wire before falling, 91-85, at The Garden on Friday night. Derek Fisher's club had a chance to tie after coming up with a crucial stop in the final seconds, but Arron Afflalo's jumper rimmed out and Memphis sealed the win at the free throw line.
Kristaps Porzingis (17 points, 10 rebounds) notched his 17th double-double of the season, saving five of his six blocked shots for an impressive fourth quarter performance that also included 10 points. Jose Calderon led the Knicks in scoring with 18 points in his first game without a minutes restriction after a groin injury sidelined him for four games.
News and Notes:
- Anthony is considered "day-to-day." Thomas will miss today's game while undergoing the NBA's concussion protocol. He could be ready to return as soon as Tuesday.
- Robin Lopez delivered another solid performance down low, finishing with nine points and 10 boards while holding Memphis center Marc Gasol to just 10 points and seven rebounds. He'll have another stiff test against Denver's talented young big man, Nikola Jokic, who is averaging 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in his last 11 games.
- Afflalo logged 41 minutes on Friday and finished with 14 points, but needed 15 shots to get there.
- In his first season as Nuggets head coach, Michael Malone has his team playing .500 ball over its last 16 games. Jokic's insertion into the starting lineup has been a revelation, as has the emergence of Most Improved Player candidate Will Barton (15.5 points per game).
- Danilo Gallinari has battled injuries throughout his career, but the former Knick has played in 45 games this season and leads Denver in scoring at 19.8 points per game.