Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets vs. New York Knicks, 7:00 PM EST

Here’s an unpopular opinion: Monday night’s game against the Knicks is “just another game”... yeah, I said it! No special than the next - the Nets are arguably the best team in the NBA, while the Knicks are arguably a fine NBA team.

James Harden will play for the Nets, while Kevin Durant remains oh-so-close to returning; though won’t play on Monday night. So close, though.

For the Knicks, they’ll have everyone out there except for Mitchell Robinson. Yes, even Derrick Rose will play. Even Derrick Rose!

Once again, we’ll be chatting live after the game - come join us, the conversations are really fun and really, really positive.

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (34-16) vs. New York Knicks (25-25)

WHEN: 7:00 PM EST

WHERE: NBA TV (national), YES 2/MSG (local), WFAN (radio)

Game Preview.

The Knicks enter Monday not only looking for bragging rights in the city but also getting a foot up in the race for a playoff spot, something only the most loyal Knick fans thought possible before the season. New York is 25-25, putting them in the seventh seed and the play-in tournament where the four teams between Nos. 7 and 10 will battle for the final two playoff spots. There’s only a five game difference between the fourth seed Hawks and the 10th seed Bulls.

New York has succeeded because of its defense. It boasts the fourth-ranked defensive rating in the NBA (107.6) and second in opponent effective field goal percentage - 51.1. But they aren’t in the top half when it comes to offense, holding the 21st spot in offensive rating at 109.0 to go along with being 22nd in field goal percentage (45.1). They also have a tendency to collapse late as they did against the Mavericks on Friday night before destroying the lowly Pistons on Saturday.

Beyond the numbers, there is the rivalry. If the Nets can win Monday night, they will tie the All-Time NBA series with the Knicks at 106 each. The two teams are already tied in the post-season 6-6. (The Nets had a 3-2 advantage over the Knicks in ABA-NBA exhibition games back in the 1970’s.)

More on the Knicks, check out Posting and Toasting.