The set-up: The 31-21 LA Clippers have seen Blake Griffin (21.6 & 8.8) return but they are just 1-5 since he got back on the court, despite Griffin averaging 23.5 & 8.3. Of course, PG Chris Paul (17.5-5.3-9.7) remains out after he had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb. He is expected to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks, returning sometime around mid-March (hopefully). The Clippers will be in MSG to take on the 22-31 Knicks, who seem listless (that's being kind), while rumors regarding a Carmelo to Cleveland trade (or to any team for that matter), continue to swirl.

LA Clippers: In fact, the Clippers are one of a few teams that have been mentioned in the trade rumors surrounding Anthony and sure look like they could use another player. The Clippers are now 2-7 since Paul was sidelined, dropping them to 4-12 without Paul in the lineup on the season. Head coach Doc Rivers is not one to panic and even after a 118-109 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Monday, he points out that Griffin posted his fifth career triple-double, and first of the season, with 26 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high-tying 11 assists in that loss.

NY Knicks: There's not much to say about the Knicks these days. Then again, head coach Jeff Hornacek seemingly has seen enough, after the Knicks lost at home to the pathetic Lakers, 121-107 on Monday. "You have to play for some pride," Hornacek said. "If you come out there and just play basketball, you're on the wrong level. These teams come in -- it's New York. You don't match their effort and energy, you're not going to win. Right from the start, the Lakers out-hustled us. They got offensive rebounds, got long balls that bounded around the free-throw line. They got them all."

The pick: The Clippers are struggling but it's hard to make the case the Knicks even care.The Clippers have won their last eight meetings with the Knicks, including four straight here in MSG. What changes tonight? Nothing. Make LA a 10* play.