Rockets at Knicks
The New York Knicks certainly have enjoyed the confines of Madison Square Garden this season. The Knicks will vie for their 11th victory in as many home outings on Monday when they welcome a familiar face in Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets. New York posted its fourth straight win and improved to 21-1 at home under coach Mike Woodson with a 103-102 victory over Cleveland on Saturday.
While the Knicks have relished home cooking, the Rockets' road woes have left a sour taste in their mouths. Houston ventured to Canada on Sunday and suffered its seventh consecutive loss away from home with a 103-96 setback to the Toronto Raptors. James Harden, who had 28 points on Sunday, is averaging 29.6 points over his last five games.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Comcast SportsNet Houston, MSG (New York), NBATV
ABOUT THE ROCKETS (11-12): Lin bolted from the Big Apple after signing a back-loaded three-year, $25 million deal in Houston. The undrafted Harvard star's success has been somewhat tempered this season, averaging just 10.8 points - which is a far cry from the 24.6 points he poured in during a 10-game stretch when "Linsanity" was as its peak. Lin had 13 points as Houston cruised to a 131-103 win over New York on Nov. 23.
ABOUT THE KNICKS (18-5): When Lin left, New York opted to acquire Raymond Felton and veteran Jason Kidd. Felton has fared pretty well, with his 25-point effort versus Cleveland as his latest evidence. Carmelo Anthony missed the contest with a left ankle injury, and his availability for Monday's tilt is in doubt. "Don't know yet, he's just kind of day to day," Woodson told ESPNNewYork on Sunday. "He's getting treatment and we'll see where he is come Monday."
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Harden scored a game-high 33 points against the Knicks last month.
2. New York will look to match the 1991-92 team by winning its first 11 games at Madison Square Garden.
3. Houston last lost eight road contests in a row during the 2001-02 season.