Rookie sensation Kristaps Porzingis finally has a chance to face his childhood idol Dirk Nowitzki, as the New York Knicks host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. It is the first matchup between these two teams this season, with the Knicks looking for their 11th win and a .500 record.

The similarities between Porzingis and Nowitzki are undeniable as both are sevn-foot forwards that can shoot the ball anywhere from the floor. "You know I want to go up against Dirk, he's one of the guys I looked up to and learned the game from. It definitely won't be easy, but I'm looking forward to it," Porzingis told NBA.com.

The 20-year-old Latvian, who is recently named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November, averages 14.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He had 12 points and seven rebounds in the 106-91 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks last Saturday.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 18 points and five rebounds while Lance Thomas added 17 points in 24 minutes off the bench. New York struggled defensively, allowing the short-handed Bucks team to have a 21-4 run in the third quarter and shoot 49 percent from the field for the game.

"We didn't start the third quarter in any way shape or form like we wanted to win the game," Knicks coach Derek Fisher said.

In an interview with ESPN, Nowitzki had high praise for the Knicks rookie and latest European import. "He is long. He is athletic. He is tough. He's got a touch. He can put it on the floor. He is for real. Sky's the limit," Nowitzki said. The 37-year-old is still playing great for the Mavericks. He earned 19 points, six rebounds and five assists in the 116-104 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday.

Wesley Matthews exploded for Dallas with 36 points, six rebounds and five assists with 10 made threes. Raymond Felton added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds while Deron Williams had 11 points and nine assists. "The effort was terrific. You know, our whole team was due for a shot-making night, and Wes led the way," Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said after the win.

J.J. Barea and Devin Harris are still questionable to play the game against the Knicks with injuries while Anthony is in danger of missing the game for New York after revealing that his knee felt numb on Saturday after receiving treatment after the loss to Milwaukee.

Tip-off starts at 7:30 p.m. ET and is available on NBA League Pass. It will be broadcasted locally via MSG and FS Southwest.