I've been hellaciously busy with the end of the holidays and having to work, so I haven't been able to update for the recent games -- but it sure has been crazy, hasn't it? One very inspiring, likely anomalous win against the Celtics, surrounded by games characterized by the recent plague of terrible starts and playing from behind against average or below average teams.

The Knicks caught the Celtics in the midst of their current swoon, so maybe lightning will strike twice and they can catch the Mavericks in a similar stupor -- the Mavs have been very up and down recently, falling behind 29 to the Timberwolves before eventually coming back to win, getting routed by the Grizzlies, and struggling with a decimated Clipper team. Objectively though, tonight's game is a very bad matchup -- the Knicks' quickness may give the Mavs some problems, but I think the Mavs' size and Dirk Nowitzki are fomidable obstacles for the Knicks to overcome.

If (big IF) the Knicks can keep it close through the 4th quarter, I do get a feeling this could be a very interesting game. At the very least, Nate needs to get out of the horrific slump he's been in since returing from the West Coast to make this a good game, and strong games from Wilson and Al wouldn't hurt either.

Some positive minutes from Eddy Curry, if he is indeed fit to play tonight, will make this week feel like an extended holiday for Knick fans instead of the dog days of early January -- having some productive size in the lineup will truly be a gift. (Not that I have my hopes up or anything like that)