Knicks at Suns
The New York Knicks look to avoid consecutive losses for just the second time this season when they continue their three-game road trip Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns. New York is coming off a 100-94 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles a day earlier in which it was outscored 23-16 in the fourth quarter. The Knicks have dropped three of their last five contests but haven't lost two straight since Nov. 21-23.
Phoenix is hoping to snap a two-game skid before embarking on a three-game trek to conclude the calendar year. The Suns had their four-game winning streak snapped Saturday at Portland before being trounced at home by the Los Angeles Clippers the following night. Just 2-11 on the road, Phoenix owns a 9-6 record at US Airways Center.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBA TV, MSG (New York), Fox Sports Arizona (Phoenix)
ABOUT THE KNICKS (20-8): Center Marcus Camby returned to action Tuesday and recorded four points and four rebounds in eight minutes. Camby had not played since Nov. 26 due to a sore left foot. Forward Carmelo Anthony scored a team-high 34 points in the loss to the Lakers while hyperextending his left knee. Anthony expects to play against the Suns, however. Guard Steve Novak took an elbow to the jaw from Metta World Peace with just over eight minutes remaining Tuesday and did not return to the game. Novak finished with three points in 15 minutes.
ABOUT THE SUNS (11-17): Phoenix has won eight of its last 12 overall meetings with New York and seven of the last eight at home. With 3,586 games played, the Suns are two wins away from becoming the fourth-fastest franchise to record 2,000 victories. Only the Boston Celtics (3,125), Los Angeles Lakers (3,262) and Philadelphia 76ers (3,564) have reached the plateau in fewer games. Phoenix has trailed by double figures in 11 of its 15 home games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Knicks posted a 106-99 home victory over Phoenix on Dec. 2.
2. Suns C Marcin Gortat has started 105 consecutive contests.
3. New York has shot 39.5 percent from 3-point range this season but just 31.2 percent over its last five games.
PREDICTION: Knicks 104, Suns 97.