The New York Knicks (19-6) will host the Chicago Bulls (14-10) in a Friday night NBA showdown at Madison Square Garden. Earlier this month, the Bulls lucked out not having to compete against one of the NBA's top scorers, Carmelo Anthony. However, this time around, Chicago won't be so priviledged, as he's expected to take the court for New York.

Anthony was out of action when the Bulls defeated the Knicks by a score 93-85 in Chicago on Dec. 8. Minus the star forward, New York had put up their worst offensive showing of the season in both points and with a 32.1 field-goal percentage.

In Anthony's last game against the Bulls on April 8, he racked up 43 points and hit a crucial 3-pointer with only 8.2 seconds remaining to squeeze the Knicks ahead via 100-99 margin.

After missing two straight matchups due to a sprained ankle, Anthony compiled 31 points while shooting 12-of-22 from the field in Wednesday's 100-86 route over the Brooklyn Nets.

"He looked good to me. If he's not 100 percent, I'll take whatever percent he was, because that was awesome," Coach Mike Woodson told ESPN.

The Knicks currently hold a 3-1 mark in the midst of a six-game homestand, which will come to a halt against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. After that, the team will begin a three-game road trip on Christmas Day against the Los Angeles Lakers.

"It's very important to us that we finish this home stretch strong before we go out on the road. Coach has preached it through training camp; make sure the Garden is our house, and make sure teams understand that they have to go somewhere else to get a win," Tyson Chandler said.

CLICK HERE to watch the New York Knicks face off against the Chicago Bulls via free live stream. Coverage of the NBA game is set to begin on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Tags
NBA