Knicks' Prigioni to return Monday, could bump Bargnani from starting unit

Pablo Prigioni will return to the New York Knicks lineup on Monday, according to head coach Mike Woodson.

Prigioni has been sidelined since Dec. 16 due to a fracture in the big toe on his right foot. Before going down, Prigioni had averaged 18.8 minutes over 24 games, putting up 3.9 points and 3.2 assists.

Despite the modest scoring rate, the Knicks offense suffers a great deal without the Argentinian (see table below). In fact, of all lineups that have played at least 20 minutes together this year, two of the Knicks top three most effective looks include Prigioni.

That includes a lineup with Prigioni sharing the backcourt with Raymond Felton alongside Iman Shumpert, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler. That five-some has outscored opponents by 13 points in 31 minutes this season and was also very effective in last year's playoffs.

That could even be the starting unit on Monday, as Woodson has toyed with the idea of moving Andrea Bargnani to the bench for a smaller opening group.

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