Nets at Knicks
THE STORY: The New Jersey Nets acquired Deron Williams last season believing he could turn around the team's moribund fortunes. The New York Knicks signed Amar'e Stoudemire and traded for Carmelo Anthony in hopes of returning to the team's glory days. Neither roster shakeup has worked out very well as the geographical rivals face off Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. The Nets are mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings due in large part to a major lack of scoring depth behind Williams. While that wasn't an issue Friday night - Anthony Morrow broke out for a career-high 42 points - it still wasn't enough as New Jersey dropped a 108-105 decision to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Rumors of a deal that would bring Dwight Howard to New Jersey have quieted down, and with Williams set to become a free agent at season's end the Nets know something has to change. The mood is equally dour in Gotham, where the Knicks have dropped nine of their last 11 games despite having two of the game's most recognizable stars.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, YES, MSG
ABOUT THE NETS (8-16): Injuries have been New Jersey's biggest nemesis to date, but excuses won't help a Nets team that could lose Williams for nothing in the offseason if he decides to sign elsewhere. Williams has done his part to keep the team afloat, averaging 29 points in the five games prior to Friday's loss. The 27-year-old averages 20.2 points and 8.7 assists in 23 games, though he's also committing a career-high 4.5 turnovers per game.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (8-15): Don't be surprised if the well wishes start pouring in at a feverish pace for Knicks point guard Baron Davis. The veteran distributor is weeks away from returning to action as he recovers from a herniated disk in his back. Davis has yet to play for the Knicks, but he's already being counted upon to jumpstart what has been a maddeningly inconsistent offense. Davis averages 16.5 points and 7.3 assists over more than 800 career NBA games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. New York swept last year's season series, averaging 113 points per game in the process.
2. The Nets will wear their jerseys from the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association on Saturday night. New Jersey will don the retro uniforms five times this season.