Rockets vs. Knicks Preview: Lin, Harden, Howard Trio Expected to Dominate Madison Square Garden

Nov 14, 2013 04:17 PM EST

The Houston Rockets will be playing against the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden on Nov. 14, 2013. Tonight's game's highlight include Jeremy Lin's second return to New York since the former Knicks player led his team to a seven-game winning streak in the 2011-2013 regular season. With James Harden returning from injury, the trio including NBA All-Star Dwight Howard is expected to dominate the game. Information on free live stream can be found below.  

With James Harden out because of a bruised foot, Jeremy Lin has stepped in as Rockets' starter, scoring 31 points against Raptors and 34 against the 76ers in the last two games. He has scored nine 3-pointers on 15 attempts, 65 on 20-of-36 shooting, but he's also turned the ball over 13 times.

Lin called his game against Philadelphia 76ers his "worst defensive game of the season," but he believes that tonight's game against Knicks would be his "best defensive game of the season."

While the former Knicks player will be playing again at Madison Square Garden, where "Linsanity" became an instant sensation, Lin said tonight's game will be like any other games. In his last return to New York, Lin scored 22 points and 9 assists in Houston's 109-96 win on December 17, 2012.

While the Rockets (5-4) have scored 104.8 per game and shot 43.0 percent, they have lost three of the last four games. In addition, they missed 10 straight shots against the 76ers from late in regulation into overtime before Dwight Howard made a three point play.

Harden's return on Thursday is expected to give the Rockets a much needed boost in increasing the odds of a win over Knicks. The top-five scorer has averaged 24.9 points per game.

On the other hand, Knicks have lost four home games, and they haven't won since  the win against the Milwaukee Bucks in the season opener. In addition, Tyson Chandler is out from a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula.

The Rockets is expected to win if Lin continues to achieve season-high scores, Harden returns to court, and Howard dominates the ring with his rebounds and post-up shots. 

Rockets vs. Knicks game will be televised nationally on TNT. The match will also be available online through free live streaming by clicking here