• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Marbury, Knicks look to gain ground in playoff race

Mar 6, 2007 - 3:41 PM Seattle (24-35) at New York (28-33) 7:30 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Stephon Marbury and the New York Knicks hope to edge closer to a potential playoff spot when they host the Seattle Supersonics on Tuesday.

The Knicks are coming off a 104-100 overtime victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Marbury exploded for 38 points, going 6-of-14 from 3-point range and 11-of-12 from the the free-throw line for New York, which is just one game behind New Jersey for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Reserve Steve Francis had a season-high 26 points on 8-of-16 shooting for the Knicks, who will look to match a season high with their third consecutive victory.

Seattle improved to 6-3 in its last nine games with a 96-89 home win Sunday against Charlotte.

Ray Allen poured in 34 points after missing the previous contest with inflammation in his left ankle. Rashard Lewis added 28 points for the Sonics, who have lost three straight on the road and are just 5-22 away from home.

Seattle has had little road success recently against New York, losing seven of its last eight games at Madison Square Garden.