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Can Jeremy Lin, Carmelo Anthony Make the Knicks an Eastern Conference Title Contender?

Jeremy Lin played seven minutes in a loss to the Celtics on Feb. 3, scoring two points and committing two personal fouls in a forgettable performance.

That was the last game before Linsanity erupted, turning the Knicks from one of the most unbearable teams in the NBA into the most exciting show in sports for a good two weeks. The Knicks won 13 of their next 16 games after Lin erupted for 25 points against the Nets.

Not all the news is so good for the Knicks, though. The Knicks are only 2-2 in the four games since Carmelo Anthony returned from injury, and they open a four-game road trip Sunday in Boston. After playing the Celtics, the Knicks take on the defending champion Mavericks and the always tough Spurs.

If the Knicks are to make a push for one of the higher Eastern Conference playoff seeds and challenge the Bulls and Heat for the conference title, their push will have to take place against some stiff competition. But the biggest factor in their success might not be the opponents. It could be themselves.

If Anthony can ease into an offense that was humming during his absence, the Knicks could challenge for a first-round home series and maybe, just maybe, pose a threat to Chicago or Miami in the later rounds.

If Anthony brings Linsanity to a halt, the Knicks will have to settle with where they currently are: Battling with the Celtics for one of the final playoff seeds.

Can the Knicks contend for the Eastern Conference title?