Although tonight’s first leg of the weekly Friday NBA on ESPN doubleheader is severely lacking in star power, there’s always some form of entertainment to be found in a primetime premiere featuring that team that plays in the world’s most famous arena, as the New York Knicks take on the visiting Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Whereas the Pelicans are still waiting on the full recovery process for soon-to-be rookie phenomenon Zion Williamson to finally come to a close, the Knicks aren’t all that healthy either in potentially not having Marcus Morris Sr. (who could be one name among many in a Knicks jersey that could be sent in lieu of February’s trade deadline) and that leaves Bobby Portis and company to try and fill in his regular 19 points and 47 percent shooting from deep, considering that Julius Randle is still dealing with personal issues.
What’s even the more difficult task for these 10-win Knicks is having to supply some tough defense against an all-star caliber player in Brandon Ingram, who just loves to excel under the bright lights of the garden. It’ll also be hard for Mike Miller’s rotation of guards to stop Lonzo Ball, who’s averaging a smooth 12 points off an overall 40 percent shooting with an offensive arsenal that’s still growing with confidence.
Still, this matchup is sorely deficient in key pieces on both sides, as Jrue Holiday, Kenrich Williams and JJ Redick will all be out for these 13-win Pelicans. It may not be an overly exciting matchup between two teams that aren’t even in sniffing distance of .500 records, but these games always have a way to highlight guys that usually don’t have a spotlight on them with some memorable performances, especially since they’re playing in the World’s Most Famous Arena.
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