The New York Knicks host the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The New York Knicks have a clean bill of health going into Wednesday's game, a great sign for the struggling New York team. The Knicks have lost four games in a row and have been wrapped in a downward spiral ever since winning the NBA Cup.
Playing against their crosstown rivals could be a chance to bring some new energy in a team that seems to have lost their identity. It may be the kickstart that the Knicks need to find their rhythm and adjust their mentality that has been tested by their recent struggles.
The Knicks are the legacy team of New York after all, and they have to defend their territory. The Nets are just 12-29 on the season and even at full strength they shouldn't pose any challenge to the Knicks on paper.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) blocks a shot by Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) during the second half at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesMike Brown's Frustrations
Mike Brown went after his team in their most recent loss to the severely shorthanded Dallas Mavericks, seemingly having enough of their lack of effort and lapse in their commitment to team principles.
Brown said that all that needs to change for his team is to "do their jobs" and that despite his frustration, he still knows his team has the championship potential that they showed off so often to start the season.
Brooklyn Nets guard Drake Powell (4) is guarded by New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) and guard Tyler Kolek (13) during the second half at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesSince their losing spell began, the Knicks are down in average points, assists, steals and blocks per game from their whole season averages, yet oddly enough they've slightly improved when it comes to rebounds per game.
Wednesday's game will be pivotal as ever and be a true assessment on if the Knicks' season is recoverable at this point, or if they will just continue to slide down the NBA standings after a start to the season that was filled with so much promise.
New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) reacts in front of Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin (13) during the second half at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesNets Injury Report
Haywood Highsmith (knee) remains OUT while he recovers from a surgery to repair a torn meniscus that he underwent last August while he was still a member of the Miami Heat. Highsmith has yet to debut this season and is considered to be out indefinitely.
Day-Ron Sharpe (illness) will be OUT Wednesday for the second straight game.
Brooklyn Nets forward Jalen Wilson (22) dribbles during the second half against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesTyson Etienne, Chaney Johnson and E.J. Liddell (two-way) are all OUT for Wednesday's game as they are playing with the Long Island Nets in the G-League.
Ben Saraf (on assignment) is also OUT for Wednesday's game and playing in Long Island, though he is on assignment in the G-League rather than signed to a two-way contract like his teammates.