Hapless Knicks host Bulls at MSG

The turbulent ride continued Wednesday night in Memphis, as Grizzlies star Pau Gasol nailed the game-winning jumper with 2.7 seconds left. The basket gave Memphis a 101-99 victory and sent New York to its 21st win in 23 games.

Stephon Marbury had 25 points and 13 assists for the Knicks, while Steve Francis posted 19 points in a losing effort. The Knicks fell to 0-4 since acquiring Francis from Orlando before the All-Star break.

New York dropped all three games on its latest road trip and 12 in a row overall on the road.

The Knicks, though, are back in the Big Apple but own a 1-5 mark in their last six home games. New York is 11-17 as the host this season.

Chicago comes into tonight’s contest after suffering a heart-breaking 92-91 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Flip Murray’s three-pointer with just 3.9 seconds remaining was deciding factor, sending the Bulls to their third loss in four tries.

The Bulls will now open a two-game road trip in New York and Cleveland on Sunday afternoon. Chicago is 2-6 in its last eight road games and owns a 12-16 mark away from the United Center this season.

The season series between both teams is tied at one game apiece. New York won the first meeting by a 109-101 score at Madison Square Garden, but the Bulls countered with a 106-104 overtime victory on January 18 at the United Center.

Chicago has won five of the last six meetings with the Knicks.