Home

NBA

Will Michael Porter Jr Play Tonight? New York Knicks vs Denver Nuggets Lineups, Preview & Predictions

Published 01/10/2021, 11:00 AM EST

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The Denver Nuggets continue their road trip with a stoppage in the Big Apple. In what is a reverse of fortunes, the New York Knicks will play host with a winning record to their name (5-4). On the other hand, the Nuggets will look to break even after a sluggish start to the campaign (4-5).

Date: 10th January 2021

Time: 6 pm Local Time

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Venue: Madison Square Garden

Preview | New York Knicks

The Knicks are easily the most frustrating team in the recent history of the NBA. With no notable star players on their roster, many were expecting them to tank yet again this season. Oh, how are they proving us all wrong!

The Tom Thibodeau-coached team is a metronome on the defensive end (tied fourth in defensive rating). They have been diligently led on the floor by Julius Randle, who is averaging 22.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He will again be their key player for this matchup.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Expected Starting 5 of the New York Knicks

Guard – Elfrid Payton

Guard – RJ Barrett

Center – Mitchell Robinson

Forward – Reggie Bullock

Forward – Julius Randle

Preview | Denver Nuggets

In the bubble, the Nuggets were a breath of fresh air. After handing the LA Clippers an upset to reach the Conference Finals, they have bigger expectations from the fans. But so far this season, they are not living up to it.

USA Today via Reuters

Though it is not the fault of their versatile big man, Nikola Jokic. The Joker is averaging a resounding 24.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 11 assists a game this season. Also, Michael Porter Jr. impresses with 19.5 points/match to his name in 4 games.

But they will miss his services once again, as the league has ruled him out for an indefinite period because of the COVID health and safety protocols.

Expected Starting 5 of the Denver Nuggets

Guard – Gary Harris

Guard – Jamal Murray

Center – Nikola Jokic

Forward – Paul Millsap

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Forward – Will Barton

Pick | Knicks vs Nuggets

This is an interesting matchup, as it is an elite defense versus an elite offense. Though the Nuggets, at their best, can carve the Knicks apart.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

However, they are still struggling to find any rhythm right now with Bubble hero Jamal Murray blowing hot and cold so far. So, the Knicks are the favorites for this contest. Yes, you heard it right.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Bharat Aggarwal

759Articles

One take at a time

Bharat Aggarwal is a sports analyst for EssentiallySports, covering Formula 1 and NBA. A Delhi University graduate, Bharat has multi-year experience in sports writing, having closely worked with the content strategy aspect as well. Bharat Aggarwal supports Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Dirk Nowitzki, Sachin Tendulkar, Ayrton Senna, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dallas Mavericks.
Show More>