New York has long been starved of NBA success but now has two teams making strides in 2020-21. (More Sports News)
The Brooklyn Nets have made plenty of noise as they have claimed a share of first place in the Eastern Conference, led by the 'big three' of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.
But the New York Knicks, the city's favourite team, are also in playoff contention with a .500 record.
On Monday, the two teams go head-to-head at Barclays Center – and Durant, Irving and Harden could all feature for just the eighth time this season.
The Knicks will have their work cut out as they try to stop their star-studded neighbours.
TOP PERFORMERS
Brooklyn Nets - Kyrie Irving
Durant is likely to be seen as the Nets' difference-maker in the biggest games, while Harden, the third man in the 'big three', has established himself as an MVP contender. He cannot afford many more nights off.
But as both players recover from hamstring injury – Durant is "an outside possibility", Harden's absence is "just caution" - it will likely again be Irving's turn to carry the team, showing their remarkable depth.
The point guard leads Brooklyn in total points, scoring 27.7 per game – the best mark of his career and one which puts him eighth in the NBA among all players.
Irving had a game-high 34 points when these teams last met in March, a 117-112 Nets win.
New York Knicks - Julius Randle
First-time All-Star Randle has led the Knicks' improvement this season and he has been talking a big game ahead of this clash.
The forward responded to talk of Brooklyn's 'big three' by suggesting New York have a "big 15", of which he is undoubtedly the star, averaging 23.0 points and 10.7 rebounds this year.
Randle will certainly not be short of motivation.
He had 33 points in the game last month, just shy of Irving's total, and had to be held back from the officials after a late three-pointer was ruled out due to an incorrect traveling call.
KEY BATTLE - BROOKLYN BIGS TO BOSS BIG APPLE?
It is not just the Nets' superstar talent the Knicks have to worry about, as there is also a mismatch at center.
Third-year big man Mitchell Robinson was set for a breakout year in New York, seemingly contributing to the team's decision not to push harder for a buyout signing as Andre Drummond went to the Los Angeles Lakers.
But Robinson, posting 8.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals, fractured his right foot, leaving the Knicks with Nerlens Noel (4.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks) and Taj Gibson (5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds) as their primary options at the five.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn have a whole array of possibilities at the position, led by buyout signings and former All-Stars LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin but also including DeAndre Jordan, Jeff Green and surprise performer Nicolas Claxton (7.9 points, 1.3 blocks).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Nets are 2-0 in this season's series, also beating the Knicks in January, and Monday's game could see a significant power swing.
The all-time record stands at 101-100 in the Knicks' favour, giving Brooklyn the opportunity to pull ahead for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
