Read a preview and watch a live stream of the Cavaliers vs the Knicks…
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York.
When: Friday December 5, 01:00 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
The New York Knicks will hope to claim a second win of the season over the Cleveland Cavaliers when LeBron James and Co. visit the Garden on Thursday night.
However, since that 95-90 win on October 30 in only the second game of the season, the two teams have experienced a real turnaround in fortune as the Cavs prepare for Thursday on a four-game winning streak while the Knicks are looking to end a five-game losing streak.
Cleveland (9-7) have started to click with their Big Three stepping up, but James has been keen to suggest that their improvement has been down to the development of point guard Kyrie Irving on both ends of the court.
Irving will look to claim his first career win at the Garden in his fifth attempt while Cavs coach David Blatt conceded that it would be a special night for him too at the iconic arena.
Nevertheless, they will be determined to come away with a win to continue to build momentum as they show signs of developing into the legitimate contenders that many tipped them to be before the season started.
As for the Knicks (4-15), coach Derek Fisher insists that they still believe in what they are doing and he is reassured by the way they are playing in games despite the losses continuing to rack up.
Carmelo Anthony has recovered from a back problem but it is still unclear as to whether JR Smith will return from flu symptoms to feature.
New York is last in the NBA with an average of 31.2 points per game in the paint and 12.4 drives, but they will hope that the visit of a title-favourite will inspire them in front of a frustrated home crowd.
COMMENTS