The real test emerges! As the league heads into the business end of the season, every single game counts. In the case of the Warriors, the team is all set to face their first challenge, taking on a threatening team like the Knicks since the Jimmy Butler trade. And for the NY side, the trip to East second seed isn’t a far-fetched dream anymore, as the Celts suffered a series of embarrassing losses. The bottom line is that both teams have strong ambitions heading into tonight’s game at the MSG.
The only question is that, do these teams have enough assets to take on the challenge? The Warriors have three veterans on the lineup, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Buttler, and will be playing the second half of the back-to-back game. Yet, Coach Steve Kerr clearly stated that these vets don’t have any rest management program. In short, Dubs will take on the Knicks in full strength, coming off a confident victory over the Hornets.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have a concerning update. The team has listed trusted big man Karl-Anthony Towns in the Questionable category, citing personal reasons. It’s nothing new. The Knicks have a nagging problem this season, which is thin depth. So, an absence in the starting lineup will directly impact the game. Fortunately, Mitchell Robinson, the traditional big, has returned to the roster after missing more than half of the season.
While Coach Thibs hasn’t fully introduced him into the mix, Robinson can partly handle Kat’s absence alongside Precious Achiuwa. Apart from that, the team listed out Ariel Hukporti, citing a grave knee injury. What do you think? Can the short-handed Knicks handle the thriving Warriors? Let’s take a look at the predicted lineups and have a clear picture.
Karl-Anthony Towns & Co. vs Warriors: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart
Playing with a short lineup isn’t a new deal for the Knicks. In fact, in the previous season, with Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson out for most of the season, the team managed to make it to the East semi-final. Above all, with the Knicks already cementing their playoff berth, they can treat the game as a challenge for the postseason.
Importantly, Jalen Brunson, who carried the team throughout the previous season, can once again shoulder the team’s offensive responsibility.
The New York Knicks
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Jalen Brunson
Cameron Payne
Delon Wright
SG
Mikal Bridges
Myles McBride
Pacome Dadiet
SF
Josh Hart
Landry Shamet
–
PF
OG Anunoby
MarJon Beauchamp
–
C
Mitchell Robinson
Precious Achiuwa
–
The Golden State Warriors
STARTING LINEUP
SECOND UNIT
THIRD UNIT
PG
Stephen Curry
Pat Spencer
Taran Armstrong
SG
Brandin Podziemski
Buddy Hield
–
SF
Jimmy Butler
Kevin Knox
–
PF
Moses Moody
Gui Santos
–
C
Draymond Green
Quinten Post
Kevon Looney
On the other hand, the Dubs have an 8-1 run whenever Butler laces up for the Dubs. So, it’s safe to say that Stephen Curry & Co. are beaming with confidence. However, they haven’t faced a challenge in this stretch apart from the win over the Rockets. However, taking on the Knicks will be the first real test for the Warriors. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments.
The post Knicks Issue Concerning Update on Karl-Anthony Towns Ahead of Clash With Stephen Curry’s Warriors appeared first on EssentiallySports.