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Nets await Knicks in Newark
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Brook Lopez/Courtesy of NJ.com
The New Jersey Nets will host another game at the Prudential Center when the New York Knicks arrive for their preseason finale.
The Nets are 0-5 in the preseason while the Knicks enter at 3-2. The Knicks are coming in off of a win against a fully-loaded Boston Celtics squad. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Since this is the Knicks last game before their regular season opener against the Miami Heat, fans are likely to see more of the team's fringe players looking to earn a spot.
For the Nets, Devin Harris and Jarvis Hayes will miss the game due to injury. Keyon Dooling won't play because he is still rehabbing his hip, and he will miss the start of the regular season.
The Knicks will pose a stern test to the Nets. Both teams won't be playing at full strength with the Knicks likely resting some players, but the Nets have lingering questions that need answering. Every game prior to Oct. 28 at Minnesota is critical. Can Yi be reliable? Do the Nets have a suitable backup for Harris? Can the team generate consistent jump-shooting? Will the defense show up?
Although Alston has struggled recently, the team is content with him backing up Harris for now. The situation will get murkier when Dooling returns. The team will continue to analyze Yi and the defense.
The defense has emerged as priority No. 1 since training camp opened. The Knicks run-and-gun offense will test the defense tomorrow night. New York scored with ease against the Celtics in a 108-103 win Tuesday night. Nate Robinson tallied a game-high 21 points off the bench, while David Lee scored 19 points and hauled in 16 rebounds. Brook Lopez vs. David Lee is a match-up to watch.
Tomorrow's probable starting lineups are as follows. The Knicks is subject to change.
New Jersey
PG Rafer Alston
SG Courtney Lee
SF Chris Douglas-Roberts
PF Yi Jianlian
C Brook Lopez
New York
PG Chris Duhon
SG Nate Robinson
SF Wilson Chandler
PG Jared Jeffries
C David Lee
Notes
Devin Harris is shooting to play Friday against Philadelphia, although he had planned to play against the Knicks. The Nets will not do anything to jeopardize Harris' availability for Minnesota.
“The goal is to play Friday,” Harris told The Record's Al Iannazzone. “That is the goal.”
Jarvis Hayes will also attempt to play Friday and go through pregame warm-ups.
Tony Battie and Eduardo Najera continue to battle nagging injuries to the knee and back, respectively. Although the Nets could do without Battie, Najera will probably be an important situational piece if he can stay healthy.
The game against the Knicks will be broadcast on MSG and Friday's telecast against Philadelphia will be on YES.
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