San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks: Keys to Game and Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs hit the road and take on the New York Knicks on Monday night. The Spurs are coming off a 95-87 win on the road against the Boston Celtics. LaMarcus Aldridge had his biggest game in a Spurs uniform, as he finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. The Knicks are coming off a 117-110 victory against the Washington Wizards on the road. What are some keys to a Spurs victory?

–Tony Parker Must Step Up

Tony Parker has been quiet this season. In three games Parker is averaging 8.7 points and 2.7 assists. The 33-year-old hasn’t scored more than 10 points in a game this season. Despite the lowing scoring average, he is shooting 52 percent from the field.

-Contain Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony had a 37 point outburst against the Wizards after a slow start to the season. The 31-year-old is a born scorer. Anthony is capable of carrying his team on his back, when he is right. It will be Kawhi Leonard‘s duty to stop the scoring machine.

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-Bench Play is key

The Spurs bench has been terrific so far. Patty Mills and Boris Diaw are both shooting over 60 percent this season. Manu Ginobili and David West are both shooting 50 percent from the field this season. The Knicks bench doesn’t have many big names, but they play hard and as a group. Derrick Williams, Jerian Grant, Langston Galloway, and Kyle O’Quinn.

This one will be close early on, as the Knicks have looked sharp at times this season. Carmelo Anthony should have another good game. At the end of the day the Spurs have a huge edge with LaMarcus Aldridge and Tim Duncan down low.

Next: Kawhi Leonard's new Mission