Lakers vs. Knicks Tuesday NBA injury report, spread, odds: LeBron James suspended first game of career; Mitchell Robinson out, Derrick Rose questionable

Ask NBA stars which arena is their favorite to play in – other than their home one – and most will say Madison Square Garden. After all, the "World's Most Famous Arena" and everything is bigger in the Big Apple, etc. LeBron James certainly has had many memorable moments at the Garden in his career but he will not play for the Lakers on Tuesday at MSG because of suspension. New York will be without starting center Mitchell Robinson and perhaps former MVP Derrick Rose. The Knicks are -3.5. Click here for model picks. 

James and the Pistons' Isaiah Stewart got into a bit of a scuffle on Monday in Detroit. While jostling for position on a free-throw attempt, their arms got intertwined and James swung his elbow, striking Stewart, who quickly had blood streaming from above his eye. Both got ejected. Frankly, if anyone but James had done that, he probably would have been suspended at least two games, which Stewart was.

Rather amazingly, this is the first suspension in the 19-year career of James, who will lose about $284,000 in salary. LeBron recently returned from injury and the Lakers are 4-6 without him this season, averaging 108.2 points, compared to compared to 5-3 with, averaging 112.0 ppg.

I'm quite sure more than a few celebrity types who were planning to go to Tuesday's game now will not with LeBron sitting. The Lakers are listing Anthony Davis as probable, but he has been probable before every game. He'll play, although keep in mind that LA plays again Wednesday in Indiana to conclude a five-game trip.

The Knicks will not have Robinson (concussion), fellow big man Taj Gibson (sore groin) is doubtful and Rose (sore right ankle) is questionable. In 15 games, Robinson averages 7.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. In 10, Gibson averages 3.5 points and 5.1 rebounds. Rose puts up 12.0 ppg in about 23 minutes per outing.

Los Angeles is 2-8 in its past 10 trips to Madison Square Garden. On Feb. 2, 2009, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant scored an MSG record 61 points. For his career, LeBron has averaged 28.1 points at Madison Square Garden, the third-most all-time behind Michael Jordan and Kobe (min. 15 games).

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