Knicks vs. Hornets 7:30 p.m.

The Knicks will have to play Chris Paul and the Hornets without Chauncey Billups tonight. It's crazy how quickly Billups has gone from an afterthought in the blockbuster deal to the third member of the Knicks' very own big three.

Paul will dictate how the Hornets play

A night after his collision with Dwight Howard's knee, Billups says he "feels better." He is listed as questionable for friday's game against the Knicks' nemesis, the Cavs.

The two new Knicks, Derrick Brown and Jared Jefferies, will suit up tonight. Jefferies should see minutes, as he knows the system and D'Antoni is a big fan. We will see if Brown gets in the game, and what he shows us.

The Knicks beat the Hornets 100-92 on December 3rd, in their only other meeting this season. Amar'e Stoudemire had 34 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, while Paul had 17 points and 10 assists for the Hornets. Of course, this is a much different matchup.

This is a game the Knicks should be able to steal, even without Billups in the lineup. The Hornets have lost 11 of their last 15, including a loss last night to the last-place Toronto Raptors.
 
P.S. Remember Paul's toast at Carmelo Anthony's wedding? Let's hope the Garden crowd shows Paul how great it could be playing here.

Don't forget your toast, Paul

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A few quick notes that have nothing to do with tonight's game:

-Happy anniversary to Wilt Chamberlain. On this day 49 years ago, Wilt the Stilt scored 100 points in a single game against none other than the New York Knicks.

- Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld and ESPN 1040 tweeted that Eddy Curry (formerly Eddy Curry's expiring contract) is telling friends that he will sign with the Heat. Do the Heat want him? And if so, why? And how unfair would it be if Curry won a ring with...maybe I'm getting head of myself.

- Mike Prada over at SBnation.com put together a pretty hilarious list of 60 players the Heat should sign over Curry. Personally I think a more comprehensive list could be put together.

Enjoy the game and check back after for post game thoughts and analysis.