LONDON — Deron Williams delivered a prediction yesterday from the Olympic Games — count on more Nets fans than Knicks fans being at Barclays Center for the team’s first home game in Brooklyn on Nov. 1.
The Nets superstar point guard despised playing in Newark, where Knicks and Heat fans invaded Prudential Center in droves, giving the Nets no home-court advantage. That’s a legitimate fear on opening night, when the NBA takes a risk of the Knicks embarrassing the new Brooklyn tenants.
Williams doesn’t see it.
“Will it be a split crowd?’’ Williams said, angrily repeating a question. “I think there will be more Nets fans than Knicks fans, personally.
“It’s a great way to open, against hopefully a team that will be your rival for years to come. The arena’s going to be great.’’
Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, who grew up in Brooklyn, said, “That will be a big game, Brooklyn’s home opener. I can’t wait. I can’t wait for that.’’
Team USA teammates Tyson Chandler and Anthony have both sparred with Williams over the new intra-city rivalry during the three-week preparations for the Olympics.
“I’m looking forward to that,’’ Chandler said. “It’s marked on my calendar. I think it’s going to be great, and we’ve been joking around with Deron. But it’s great for the city to have the two teams. Brooklyn has made incredible moves, definitely become a legit team through free agency.’’
Anthony has another date circled — March 13 — his first visit to Denver since being traded to the Knicks from the Nuggets. The game was scrapped last season in the switch to a lockout schedule.
“I’m pretty sure I’ll get some boos out there,” Anthony said. “I might get an ovation. I don’t know.’’