Merry Christmas, babies! Whether or not it's what you asked for, you're getting a Knicks-Lakers game at 3:00 this afternoon on ABC. It is, of course, not the first time these two teams have met this season. About two weeks ago in New York, Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks showered the Lakers in threes all throughout the first half only to barely a survive a comeback in the second half. Part of the reason for that comeback-- Carmelo Anthony's sprained ankle-- probably isn't something to worry about anymore. The other part of that comeback-- Mike D'Antoni changing L.A.'s pick-and-roll coverage to tantalize Raymond Felton into shooting over a big guy-- might still be a challenge.

And while L.A.'s offense wasn't really the issue last time, their having Steve Nash back this time ought to make them more of a force in that regard. He's pretty good at sports, and the Lakers have a bit of momentum since coming back to beat the Warriors in his return.

I don't know what to expect from this one. I just hope it's not too upsetting a contest. Game thread later!

New York Knicks Tickets