The set-up: Obviously the Knicks are the biggest surprise team in the league this year. New York has to be feeling damn good about its chances of landing a big off-season free-agent after its big season this year. However, after eight straigth blowout wins and covers, everything points to a classic letdown here, especially with another "cream puff" coming to town tomorrow night in Atlanta. The Knicks were super lucky to escape with a home victory last time out, nailing a three-point shot with no time left on the clock to force OT with the Pels, to then go on and win/cover by ten.

The pick: The Hornets come in off a dominant 109-101 home win over the Blazers, proving that they haven't thrown in the towel either. And with the news that LaMelo Ball is cleared to start working with the team again, there's added incentive again all of a sudden. If Charlotte can win this game, it has contests upcoming vs. the lowly Bulls and Cavaliers, so a three-game win streak would be a very realistic goal here. Outright win? Possible. In the end though, let's grab up all these points!

This is a 10* COACH'S CORNER on the Hornets.