The New York Knicks are expected to win a title this season, at least that is what their ownership is saying. However, the team still has yet to truly finalize their starting lineup outside of Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony. After loading up on free agents like Metta World Peace and Andrea Bargnani, expectations are through the roof with what this team should accomplish. After a quiet offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks are hoping to spoil the Knicks debut in the newly re-designed Madison Square Garden.
First thing is first with the Knicks, sixth man JR Smith will not be in the building. The guard has yet to be cleared for play after offseason knee surgeries and is waiting to serve his suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Until he returns, Mike Woodson has questions to answer in the starting lineup. Anthony will likely play the 3 spot. World Peace will start over Bargnani. Amare Stoudemire is still uncertain as is Kenyon Martin.
Plenty of questions surround the Knicks outside of their lineup. Many are wondering about maturity issues with Smith. He does not have the best track record off the court and after averaging 18.1 points during the regular season in 2012, the Knicks need him. Also, Anthony is poised to become a free agent in the offseason and has already made comments about his intent to at least explore the market.
Milwaukee enters the season with an already lengthy injury list. Forward Ersan Ilyasova hurt his ankle and back Ekpe Udoh hurt his knee. New head coach Larry Drew is hopeful the re-designed backcourt can carry the team. Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis left. Brandon Knight and OJ Mayo enter with forward Caron Butler and guard Luke Ridnour. Drew spent three years with the Atlanta Hawks before signing on with the Bucks. He took a mid-level Hawks team to the playoffs each of those three years and fans are hopeful he can do it again.
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