At the midpoint of the NBA season, The Post’s Knicks beat writer Marc Berman takes an in-depth look at the team and gives us grades from the first half.
CRUCIAL STRETCH
The Knicks have 18 games in the frantic month of March, 10 on the road. On a potentially back-breaking five-game Western trip, they visit Golden State, Denver (Carmelo Anthony’s return), Portland, the mighty Clippers and Utah. They could go 0-5.
KEY COACHING DECISION
Mike Woodson still has to decide on his starting lineup for the second half. If he changes up, as he has hinted, does he want to keep Amar’e Stoudemire on the bench or place formerly struggling Ronnie Brewer in the mix for either the slumping Jason Kidd or rusty Iman Shumpert.
QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED
Will 6-foot-11 Rasheed Wallace, who will practice Tuesday, be the anti-dote to the Knicks’ recent defensive breakdowns or will his left foot break the moment he runs the fast break? He has not played since mid-December because of a stress reaction, which is a precursor to a stress fracture. Woodson said he doubts Wallace will be “100 percent’’ this season, and if he breaks down again, Knicks may need to sign a free agent (Kenyon Martin, Lou Amundson).
PLAYER WHO NEEDS TO STEP UP
Kidd has looked all of his 39 years recently. After a beautiful November and December, he wore down once he was forced to start at point guard during Raymond Felton’s absence. Kidd was shooting 52 percent from the 3-point line in mid-December, but has fallen to 38 percent and his defense against quick guards has been troubling. He and his achy back celebrate a 40th birthday in March.
PREDICTION: 50-32. Atlantic Division winner. Third in East. Lose to Bulls in seven games in second round.
3 THINGS that need to happen for Knicks to make the Finals
1. Raymond Felton to start defending like he means it and shut down quick PGs without worrying about his pinkie.
2. Carmelo Anthony has to take fewer shots, trust his teammates and focus more on defense.
3. J.R. Smith has to look like the Sixth Man of the Year again and not be so inconsistent.
REPORT CARD
Carmelo Anthony: He is leading league in shot attempts, but NBA’s scoring leader could have been first-half MVP if not for LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Grade: A
Tyson Chandler: Finally received his first All-Star berth for stout defense, leadership and supremely efficient offense as league’s FG percentage leader.
Grade: A-minus
J.R. Smith: Two buzzer-beaters and many electric nights, but he’s falling back to Earth.
Grade: B-plus
Raymond Felton: Was a warrior before Christmas, but since returning from a broken pinkie has had rough moments defensively against quick point guards, even if he has quieted Linsanity talk.
Grade: B
Jason Kidd: Had a terrific November and December on both ends, playing off the ball, but is hitting the wall and losing touch on 3-pointer.
Grade: B
Steve Novak: Rarely do the Knicks lose when he’s on fire from the 3-point line, but needs to assert himself more and step up defensively.
Grade: B-minus
Amar’e Stoudemire: Willingness to come off bench is as exemplary as his new low-post game. Still, he is always a health risk and he still is not defending up to Woodson’s liking.
Grade: B-minus
Chris Copeland: Underdog rookie made team as the 15th man, had a super scoring stretch, then fell into Woodson’s doghouse because of defense and alleged practice issues.
Grade: B-minus
Pablo Prigioni: As advertised, a steady play-making point guard off the bench who defends with zeal but is hesitant to shoot.
Grade: B-minus
James White: When given chances, he has defended with aplomb, but is a disappointment creating his own shot. Still better known for dunk-contest rep.
Grade: C-plus
Iman Shumpert: Last season’s phenomenal rookie proves it’s difficult to have instant success after ACL surgery, but he has time to regain rookie form. Grade: C
Ronnie Brewer: Key role player in November and part of December as starter. Then he lost confidence in his shot and his mojo on defense.
Grade: C-minus
Kurt Thomas: Has been healthy, but Woodson mysteriously won’t play him as he can be a step slow on rotations.
Grade: C-plus
Marcus Camby: Hasn’t been able to stay healthy, and still is sidelined with plantar fasciitis.
Grade: D
Rasheed Wallace: By season’s end, could be in A-range as his defense is the X-factor to the team’s playoff chances if he gets his foot healthy.
Grade: Incomplete
Mike Woodson: Credit him for getting Anthony and team to play focused defense for first six weeks, dealing with all of the injuries and making a hard decision on Stoudemire’s bench role. However, team’s inconsistencies since mid-December are troubling.
Grade: B-plus
Glen Grunwald: Restocked roster with depth that was lost in blockbuster Melo trade. But if the elderly Knicks can’t do major damage this year or next, there is no future for this group.
Grade: B-plus
marc.berman@nypost.com