Tyson Chandler is still experiencing flu symptoms but will start Game 2. (Getty Images) |
In addition, the Knicks will start Landry Fields at shooting guard to replace Iman Shumpert, who tore his ACL in the loss Saturday.
Chandler not being 100 percent is a rough break for a team that badly needs a win or at least a good showing. Chandler logged what was, by one metric, his worst game ever Saturday, so the conditions clearly affected him. The Knicks need Chandler healthy to attack LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on the parade of layups they managed in their win in Game 1. Not having him 100 percent is yet another mountain for them to climb.
Fields' replacement of Shumpert is also notable. Fields wound up matched up against LeBron James for certain lineups in Game 1, and that, to say the least, did not go well. Fields will spend most of his time on Dwyane Wade in Game 2 most likely, but even that is a challenge. Fields is technique-solid and a willing defender, but outmatched in athleticism, something Shumpert brought to the table, though Shumpert's inexperience was exploited by Miami in Game 1 and the Heat repeatedly targeted the youngster before is injury.
The Knicks will attempt to correct their flight pattern which had them aiming for the ground after Game 1, Monday night at 7 p.m. EST.