We're now nine weeks into the season and the playoff picture is stating to take shape. Both teams are looking to carve out their own space in a crowded field around them. At 13-14, the New York Knicks are sitting in 9th place in the Eastern Conference after a 6-4 stretch over their last 10 games played. The Portland Trail Blazers have gone an impressive 8-2 over their last 10 game to boosting their record to 12-17 on the year. A win in this game is much needed for each team as both are just two games out of fifth place in their respective conferences as well as two games away from falling to twelfth also.

The Knicks are led by Donovan Mitchell, whose 31.4 points per game is fifth in the NLL. His scoring will be key again as there's quite a drop off to the second leading scorer for New York, Andre Drummond with 17.4. What makes that drop off extra tough to deal with is the fact that the second leading scorer for the Knicks will be riding the pine once again this week. Sadly this has nothing to do with an injury, rather Drummond has been benched while trade offers presumably roll in (don't want to hurt the trade value, thanks NBA).

All this added time off for Drummond means Julius Randle will be called on to carry the load down low. The good news is Randle and Mitchell make for a pretty good pick and roll combination. The other options for New York is to give Bol Bol more run, a variation that allows Mitchell to get to the rack more and provide a floor spacer with Bol. A fun wrinkle would be a Randle - Bol pick and pop that could be deadly on the right night. Lonzo Ball and his 6.2 assists per game will also play a significant factor in creating good looks for his teammates. Keep an eye on the passing wizardry that comes from the Knick point guard.

While the offense for New York has some bright spots to lead the way. The defense for the Knicks ranks 26th in the NLL, allowing 108.7 per game. It's easy to see why this is the case, no Drummond. While it's a bit of an oversimplification to pin the defensive worries on just one player, his absence creates a ripple effect where everyone needs to defend up a position, starting with Randle. 

The Portland Trail Blazers are well suited to go after the weaknesses of the Knicks in this matchup.
Starting with the man in the middle Deandre Ayton, there's a four inch difference between the guys who will see the majority of their teams minutes at center. This game could be decided by the old school battle in the paint but Portland is a team that launches the three-ball early and often. The teams' top two scorers, Andrew Wiggins (21.7 ppg) and Coby White (21.5 ppg), are both in the top 25 of three-pointers attempted in the NLL.

Wiggins is having a very good season even though he's been flying under the radar for nearly the entire season. He's contributing in every major category while being super efficient from the field. The combination of fourth in three-point attempts and eighth in three-point percentage means the Blazers know they can shoot with the best of 'em. Next to Wiggins you have to discuss the play of Coby White this season. In just his sophomore season, White is tearing up the NLL. Just like Wiggins, White is providing contributions in all areas. Both guys have been keys to the Blazers success of late.

The defense for Portland is better than New York and it's easy to see why. The Blazers allow the twelfth fewest points in the NLL, which may not sound great but when compared to the offense it's light years ahead. This starts with Ayton again who sets the standard on defense. Ayton ranks tenth in steals, fourth in rebounds, and tenth in block across the league. The Blazers need him to continue playing at this level for the team to continue their hot streak.

This battle on the bubble will be played between two teams who can attack the weaknesses of their opponent. As the great Vince Lombardi said "battles are primarily won in the hearts of men". Well men let's see your hearts.