• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Knicks host Hornets in opener of four-game homestand

Mar 16, 2007 - 2:37 PM New Orleans (28-36) at New York (29-35) 7:30 pm EDT

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- An extended stay at Madison Square Garden could go a long way in determining if the New York Knicks reach the playoffs.

Looking to close in on the final postseason berth in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks open a four-game homestand Friday with their first meeting of the campaign against the New Orleans Hornets.

Having won six more games than last season, the Knicks are 17-14 at home this season, including a 6-5 mark against Western Conference opponents. They have won seven of their last eight home contests.

New York's Stephon Marbury is averaging 31.6 in his last five games. He scored 31 in Wednesday's loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Trailing the Raptors (36-29) by 6 1/2 games in the Atlantic Division race, the Knicks are in a virtual four-way tie with the New Jersey Nets (30-36), Orlando Magic (30-36) and Indiana Pacers (29-35) for the final two Eastern Conference playoff spots.

Ranked 29th in scoring (93.5), the Hornets are averaging 95.8 during a six-game losing streak, while allowing five of their last six opponents to reach the century mark.

The slide has left the Hornets one game behind the Golden State Warriors (30-36) and the Los Angeles Clippers (29-35) in the battle for the last playoff berth in the West.

The Hornets' struggles continued in Tuesday's 112-108 loss to the Nets. Reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Paul collected 25 points and 12 assists and David West added 24 points.

New York has dropped the last three meetings with New Orleans. The teams play again on March 31.