Can the Knicks Stop Portland?

The Knicks are still 10 games below the 500 mark with all star weekend right around the corner.  If not for an extremely soft eastern conference and playing in the worst division in the NBA,  this season could already be a wash.  New York currently sits at 10th place in the east.  Oddly enough the team is still only seven games behind Toronto for the Atlantic Division title which would guarantee a first round home playoff series.  The Knicks need to stop the bleeding and try and creep towards the 500 mark before NBA All Star Weekend.  That way the team can go into the home stretch still with high hopes.

If the Knicks have any shot of making the playoffs they absolutely must do two things.  Beat the teams they are supposed to beat and defend their home court.  Right now I don't think any team in the NBA is afraid to come to the garden.  Last year was a different story. 

The Knicks failed to defeat a Milwaukee team that has struggled all season long.  Losses like that is what may ultimately have the Knicks on the outside looking in come playoff time.  Every time New York takes on a playoff team it is an opportunity to turn the season around.  With Portland coming into the garden the Knicks need to make a statement and get their 20th win.

This will not be a simple task.  The Portland Trailblazers have been the surprise of the NBA this  season.  Portland is currently 34-14 which is good for third in the western conference.  Their 15-9 road record is one of the best in the NBA.  With the Knicks still struggling this game may not appear to be of great importance around the NBA.  LaMarcus Aldridge is having a career year.  In his eighth NBA season Aldridge appears to be ready to transition from all star to super star level.

Damian Lillard has been arguably the most impressive player in the NBA this season.  Last years rookie of the year award winner is having what I would call yet another break out season.  Lillard was unheralded coming out of Weber State University and plays with a chip on his shoulder.

The trip to MSG gives both Lillard and Aldridge another opportunity on national television to show the world they are for real.  The two were named all star reserves in a conference full of guards and forwards  playing excellent basketball. 

Tune in later tonight for the game recap.  LETS GO KNICKS!