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Knicks should hand Hawks their fourth loss in a row

Dec 13, 2006 - 4:49 PM Atlanta (8-12) at New York (8-15) 7:30 pm EST

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Knicks have too much in their favor to lose to the slumping Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.

First, Hawks guard Joe Johnson, who averaged 28.8 points against the Knicks last season, is expected to miss the game due to a calf injury. Secondly, New York has won 13 of the last 14 meetings here with Atlanta and finally, the Hawks have dropped their last three contests overall.

Although the Hawks are struggling, the Knicks have concerns of their own, including a 3-9 home record. New York endured a 97-90 loss to the Boston Celtics on Monday.

Eddy Curry collected 30 points and 12 rebounds and Stephon Marbury added 15 points for New York, which nearly erased a 30-point deficit.

Josh Smith displayed his versatility by totaling 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and four steals, but the Hawks endured a 100-87 setback to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.

Tyronn Lue scored 16 points and Salim Stoudamire added 13 for Atlanta, which was outrebounded, 46-36.

The Hawks won the first meeting of the season, 102-92, on November 3.