Live Thread : Cavs @ Knicks

The Cavs continue their road trip tonight as they take on the Knicks who are 4-1 in their last five games. Kristaps Porzingis is currently playing like an MVP candidate and it will be interesting to see how the Cavs defend him. Their rebounding woes were very apparent against the Rockets and tonight Lebron’s nemesis Joakim Noah is making his season debut after serving a 20 game suspension for PED use. The Knicks embarrassed Cleveland earlier this year crushing the Cavs 114-95 with Porzingis scoring 32. Although this isn’t a nationally televised game, the Cavs should be able to get up for this one with Noah returning and realizing the Knicks are no longer a cake walk.

Frank Ntilikina will also be one to watch as he has been playing great defense since getting his footing early in the season. He also may be playing with a chip on his shoulder after Lebron trolled Phil Jackson saying Dennis Smith Jr. should be a Knick. In an ideal world, this seems to be a match up that Ante Zizic would get some burn as the Knicks do not have dynamic PGs to blow by him on the PnR and they could use his fouls and energy to deal with the Knicks front court. I also wouldn’t mind seeing some euro on euro action with Cedi going against Ntilikina, preferably with the Cavs up 20 in the 4th and Lebron resting. This seems unlikely, I expect a close game with Lebron relishing the moment of returning to MSG and playing against Noah. Cavs win 111-107.

Welcome back to the NBA Noah!