NBA: New York Knicks V LA Clippers preview

The New York Knicks will need to pull out all the stops if they are to end their recent slump when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers later today.

The injury-hit Knicks will visit the Staples Center for the penultimate contest of a five-game road trip.

The Knicks have played in California – against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland – once already in a week which has also included trips to Denver and Portland.

Their poor recent run of four defeats in five has seen them slip down to third in the Eastern Conference standings behind the Indiana Pacers.

Star forward Carmelo Anthony, who is second in the NBA in scoring, is questionable for the clash with a knee injury and his absence will be sorely felt if he does not make it.

The Knicks’ other major star, centre Tyson Chandler, is also suffering with a knee problem and may not be able to play either – a potentially huge double blow for the visitors.

If Anthony does not play, JR Smith will likely have to take on most of the scoring burden for the Knicks, while Kenyon Martin may be asked to fill in for Chandler.

A defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night saw the Clippers slip to fourth in the Western Conference standings, but they are undoubtedly the form team when their recent record is compared to the Knicks’.

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are once again set to take centre stage as the home side go into the clash without the injury worries which are plaguing New York.

The previous meeting between the two sides this season ended with a comprehensive 102-88 win for the Clippers despite Anthony scoring 42 points.