The makeup of the Nets has changed with Kyrie Irving suspended. Irving has missed the past three games. During this time, the Nets have given up an average of just 92 points a game. They are playing with more discipline and urgency minus Irving.

Of course Irving's absence hurts the Nets' offense. Brooklyn has failed to break the 100-point barrier in three of its last four games. The Knicks have the second-best defensive field goal percentage in the league.

The Knicks just held the Timberwolves to 107 points in their last game. That's six points under Minnesota's scoring average.

This is more than just a division rivalry from these two neighbors. So there should be a lot of defensive intensity.