Knicks and Nets Second Half Outlook (Knicks Edition)

The NBA All Star Game and now the Trade Deadline have passed and the Knicks and Nets are now on their home stretch toward the playoffs. Both teams have been highly successful overall, but have taken different routes to their 32-19 and 33-22 records respectively.

The Knicks as we all know got off to the hot start but have started to fizzle, while the Nets took off once they fired Avery Johnson.

Today we'll take a look at the Knicks.

Knicks Overview/Outlook -

Here's my concern with the Knicks heading into the second half, this team is starting to resemble teams of the past. Have you ever noticed whenever a foul is called on Tyson Chandler his arms are always thrown out into the air? Have you ever noticed whenever the Knicks are getting blown out, JR Smith goes thug? Same with Carmelo on some occasions?

That's my concern every time the Knicks play the Pacers, Bulls, Celtics or any team that hits them in the mouth. I remember the fifth game of the year when the Knicks were down by 11 with 5 minutes left against the Spurs. I thought the game was over based on past Knicks team, obviously they came back and won. That's where I truly thought this was going to be a different team, but it was apparently just smoke and mirrors.

Knicks Most Important Player in 2nd Half -

For the reasons explained above. The Knicks have two extremely important pieces and it's probably not a coincidence that both of them haven't played during the recent struggles.

It's Rasheed Wallace and Marcus Camby. The Knicks interior defense is absolutely putrid whenever Tyson Chandler is out of the game. The bigger problem is that he's also extremely wore down, definitely not the same Tyson Chandler we've been accustomed to seeing.

Sheed and Camby will not only spell him, but they are the missing pieces to help this team when they hit adversity.

Knicks Prediction -

The Knicks have been the second seed in the east for virtually the whole season and just 5 back of the Heat for the top spot. However, they're also 5 games from the 7th spot in the East.

I really wish the Hawks traded Josh Smith today because honestly this Knicks team the way they're going could very well fall to that 7th seed if they don't shape up fast.

Final prediction, the Pacers, Nets and Bulls pass them and the Knicks finish in the 5th seed, where they meet the Bulls.