Knicks vs. Magic 7 p.m.

The Knicks head to Orlando tonight to face Dwight Howard and the Magic. They faced each other once earlier this season, a 112-103 loss on Dec. 30.

Superman vs. STAT

Of course, that was B.C. (Before Carmelo).

It's the 4th game of the new era, and the Knicks should come into Orlando with a renewed confidence after their huge victory against the Heat Sunday night. Since the trade occurred exactly one week ago, there is not much to look at in terms of previous matchups between the two teams.

Howard put up 24 points and 18 boards against the Knicks in December. As I wrote earlier today, the Knicks still have a gaping hole when it comes to big men, so it is likely that Howard will roam under the basket with the same freedom he felt earlier in the year. Amar'e had 30 points in that game, but just 4 boards.

Howard has been monstrous of late, putting up at least 30 points in 5 of his last 7 games.

The Knicks will have to double team him and force the rest of the team to beat them.

Howard's supporting cast has been meager this season; Gilbert Arenas is not the Arenas of yesteryear, when he was an explosive All-Star lock. He's averaging 8 points a game for the Magic this season. Hedo Turkoglu hasn't scored more than 20 points since January 22nd, and you have to go back almost an entire month from that date to find the next time he broke 20. Jason Richardson hasn't broken 20 since January 15th.

With Melo and Amar'e, the Knicks have the offense to compete with any team in the league. It's their defense that could trip them up. Once Jared Jefferies is suited up and playing (supposedly tomorrow against the Hornets), their defense should be a little stronger. However, even Jefferies is not big enough to do much against Superman.

This game is going to come down to Howard's supporting cast. Will they step up?