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Knicks hope to have Marbury against Pacers

Dec 17, 2007 - 3:24 PM Indiana (12-12) at New York (7-16) 7:30 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Isiah Thomas and the New York Knicks have struggled to win games with - and without - point guard Stephon Marbury in the lineup.

The Knicks likely will have Marbury back in action Monday when they host the Indiana Pacers.

Off to a terrible start in a season filled with controversy both on and off the court, New York has played five of its last seven games without Marbury, who has been mourning the death of his father.

Marbury's difficult season also has been marred by a one-game hiatus last month, when he left the team after being demoted from the starting lineup.

The only member of the Knicks who has received more criticism this season than Marbury has been the embattled Thomas, who has drawn the ire of fans for his involvement in an embarrassing sexual harassment lawsuit and for his team's dismal play.

However, the Knicks were briefly able to shake off some of the tough times on Saturday with a 94-86 victory over the New Jersey Nets, ending a five-game losing streak.

Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 32 points, Eddy Curry shook off a recent scoring slump with 23 points and Zach Randolph added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Knicks, who had fallen into a tie for last place in the Eastern Conference.

With Marbury likely back in the lineup Monday, New York hopes for another solid all-around performance against the Pacers, who were coached by Thomas from 2000-2003.

Indiana has alternated wins and losses the last nine games. The Pacers are coming off a 106-103 victory at Miami on Saturday, improving their road record to 7-5.

Jamaal Tinsley scored 26 points and Jermaine O'Neal added 24 for the Pacers, who have not posted consecutive wins in the month of December.