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Nets closing in on playoff berth

Apr 13, 2007 - 2:35 PM New York (32-46) at New Jersey (37-40) 7:30 pm EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The New Jersey Nets look to move close to clinching a playoff berth Friday when they host the struggling New York Knicks.

Seeking its sixth straight playoff berth, New Jersey got off to a slow start this season, stumbling to an 11-18 record over its first 29 games. But the Nets have picked things up of late, winning six of their last nine contests.

New Jersey enters Friday's contest seventh in the Eastern Conference and owns a two-game lead over Indiana (35-43), which is ninth in the standings. The Nets also have a game in hand over the Pacers, who have just four contests left.

The Nets have dominated the series against the Knicks, winning both matchups this season and 20 of the last 24 meetings overall.

While the Nets are closing in on another playoff appearance, the Knicks have lost 12 of their last 15 games. They have been all but eliminated from playoff contention, trailing Orlando (36-46) by four games for the final postseason spot.

New York's latest setback came Tuesday in a 98-69 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Nate Robinson scored 24 points to pace the Knicks, who are 1-5 in their last six road games.