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Raptors trying to catch Bulls for second playoff spot

Apr 15, 2007 - 4:37 PM New York (32-47) at Toronto (46-33) 6:00 pm EDT

TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Toronto Raptors still have hopes of catching the Chicago Bulls for the Eastern Conference's second playoff spot.

The Raptors (46-33), who have won five in a row, host the New York Knicks on Sunday.

Trailing the Chicago Bulls (48-32) by 1 1/2 games with three to go, Toronto still has something to play for.

In contrast, the Knicks have lost three straight and were eliminated from playoff contention on Friday. They likely will be missing several players, namely Stephon Marbury who has sat out the last four games with a sprained right foot.

New Jersey ended the New York's playoff hopes with a 100-86 win at American Airlines Arena.

Toronto is coming off an 87-84 win over Detroit on Friday, in which Anthony Parker scored 21 points.

The Raptors will hope to have No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani back in the lineup. The Italian forward has been out since March 21 after having an appendectomy and is a game-time decision.

The last meeting was a 94-72 Knick win in New York on March 18. Marbury scored 21 in that contest.