Knicks look for win two against Pacers

November 4, 5:06 PMNew York Knicks ExaminerAlex Suskind

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Al Harrington looks to lead the Knicks past the Pacers
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Okay, I know what you are thinking: what would posses me to watch the Knicks game against the Pacers tonight when the Yankees are on the verge of winning their 27th World Series tonight? However, while both basketball teams have seen better days, there are still a few things that could keep you interested in tonight's match-up (or at least something to keep you occupied during commercial breaks on Fox).

To start off, let's look at the 0-3 Pacers. Danny Granger is the only one making Indiana's offense bearable to watch. Although his numbers are down early into this season (currently averaging 23.7 points per game, as opposed to the 25 he put up last year), Granger is the lone player the Knicks should worry about in terms of offensive production (the only other player on the Pacers that is currently scoring in double digits is Dahntay Jones with 14.3 per game). The Knicks also need to keep their eye on former Hoya Roy Hibbert, who, in his second year in the league, is averaging over two blocks and nine rebounds a game.

Looking at the Knicks, you could watch tonight's game for the enthusiasm and hustle of Al Harrington, or the tenacity of David Lee. But, if you are going to watch the Yankees play tonight, the least you can do is tune in during the break to check out rising star Danilo Gallinari who has been shooting 45 percent from three point range (he hit eight threes and had a career-high 30 points in Saturday's loss to the 76ers).

If the Knicks keep up their defensive intensity (which was better in the win against the Hornets, but not great) and stick with the pick and roll, they shouldn't have any trouble beating the Pacers. However, they have to make sure to not fall into the trap of running down the court and jacking up threes (and if they are going to do that, the least they could do is get back and bust their ass on defense).

While the players might not be looking past this game, New York fans probably are, as LeBron James comes to town this Friday (his only appearance at the Garden this season). Let's see if the Knicks can grab win number two tonight.