Knicks welcome Hawks to MSG

The Knicks are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, one game behind Miami and one contest in front of Cleveland.

This is the third meeting of the season between the two squads. New York has picked up a win at Philips Arena and a victory in front of its home crowd in the two previous contests.

The Knicks have won three straight and five of the last six contests with the Hawks, who have lost eight straight and nine of their last 10 at New York.

The Hawks last win in New York was on November 28, 2001.

The Knicks suffered a disappointing 87-81 decision to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday at the United Center. Kurt Thomas scored 17 points for New York, which had its three-game winning streak snapped.

Shandon Anderson posted 13 points in the loss to Chicago, while Anfernee Hardaway finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

New York is 19-16 at home this season.

The Hawks came up short Saturday night, dropping an 87-81 decision to the Utah Jazz at Philips Arena. Bob Sura scored a game-high 19 points and had seven assists for the Hawks, who have dropped four of their last five contests. Stephen Jackson added 17 points in the loss.

Atlanta is 2-5 in Monday games this season. The Hawks are 8-28 on the road.