NBA

Knicks predictions and what to watch for this season

The Knicks season preview continues with three bold predictions, what to watch for and games to watch:

Three Bold Predictions

– Andrea Bargnani will not rebound enough or play the kind of team and transition defense to keep him in starting lineup. Expect coach Mike Woodson to turn to Metta World Peace and have Carmelo Anthony back at power forward.

– Combo guard Toure’ Murry will turn into a sparkplug/fan favorite. Filling the role Chris Copeland did last season, Murry will eventually crack the Knicks’ rotation permanently.

– Carmelo Anthony doesn’t win scoring title. He will, however, have his best season on the boards and on the defensive end.

Buzzer Beaters

NEWCOMER TO WATCH

With Chicago and Indiana improving, the Knicks’ major move was rolling the dice with Andrea Bargnani to see if he can emerge as the All-Star Toronto coach Dwane Casey predicted just two seasons ago. That won’t happen, but a reliable secondary scorer to Anthony would be terrific.

MOST IMPORTANT COACHING DECISION

Woodson has a lot of tough calls with the rotation — none tougher than whether to make the leap with J.R. Smith as starting shooting guard over Iman Shumpert or even revert to the all-point-guard backcourt of Raymond Felton/Pablo Prigioni, which is an analytics bonanza.

GOOD DAYS TO COME

Tim Hardaway Jr. was a great value pick at No. 24 and has shown a smooth 3-point shot during preseason, as well as great poise for a rookie. He just needs to learn the defensive system better.

BAD DAYS AHEAD

The Knicks treated Kenyon Martin this preseason as if his ankles are ready to fall off, and they’re prepared to shut him down for back-to-backs. Whether he has an 82-game season in him is questionable.

DON’T BE SURPRISED IF …

The Knicks finish ahead of the much-hyped Nets as Amar’e Stoudemire gives the Knicks a comeback season thanks to stricter minute limitations.

SURE TO MAKE FANS GRUMBLE

The latest mishap for J.R. Smith. He’s coming off a career year but still seems an accident waiting to happen.

Five Games To Watch

Oct. 31 at Bulls

Knicks get their first taste of Derrick Rose, who has dazzled scouts with even greater explosiveness after resting last season.

Nov. 14 vs. Rockets

Jeremy Lin is back again with a greater supporting cast as Dwight Howard plays his first Garden game in a Rockets uniform.

Dec. 5 at Nets

No explanation necessary as the NBA’s best new rivalry tangos for the first time as the war of words gets settled on hardwood.

Jan. 16 at Pacers

First visit to BankersLife Field House, where it all ended in misery last May, against the retooled Pacers.

Feb. 1 vs. Heat

The superteam Heat are in town for Super Bowl weekend to share the pigskin hype.

Where They’ll Finish

46-36, fourth in East, eliminated in Eastern Conference semifinals

The improvements of Chicago, Indiana, Cleveland, Detroit and Washington will make it tough for the Knicks to duplicate 54 wins. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith are coming off career years and may not replicate them. You can make the case the Knicks overachieved last season with Mike Woodson making all the right moves in the regular season. If Andrea Bargnani’s play is key to making a long playoff run, then June looks out of the question.