After defeating the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks have to be feeling like the playoffs aren't far away. Beating the New Jersey Nets would take them one step closer to realizing that postseason berth.
Of course, getting that win won't be easy. The Nets have been playing better lately, sporting a 7-6 record in their last 13 affairs including a narrow three-point loss to the Heat on Monday.
However, it's the Knicks who should be playing with a certain measure of desperation. With talk of Amare Stoudemire returning on Friday, New York has even more incentive to clinch a playoff spot sooner rather than later. At least that way Stoudemire could return without pressure and ease his way back into the lineup.
The Knicks are currently lead the Milwaukee Bucks by two and a half games (two in the loss column) with the tiebreaker in hand. At this point, it would take a total collapse to miss the playoffs.
This game also has historical significance, as it will be the last time these two play each other in the great state of New Jersey. After 35 years, the Nets will be taking their act across the river to Brooklyn next year.
TV: MSG
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
For more on the Knicks and Nets, please be sure to check out our respective blogs Posting and Toasting along with Nets Daily. Also take a peek at SB Nation New York for all the latest news and notes.