Division rival Knicks, Nets tangle in New Jersey

The Nets are currently second in the Atlantic, five games back of the Raptors, while the Knicks are third in the standings one further game back of the lead. Both clubs are also in striking distance of the eighth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey took the first meeting between the two squads this year on January 19 and has won seven of the last eight in the series and 13 of the last 16. The Nets have been successful against the Knicks at home where they have won nine of the last 11.

The Nets moved to 1-1 on their current five-game homestand on Friday after topping the Sacramento Kings, 109-96. Jason Kidd rewarded the club that elected not to trade him at the deadline with a trouble-double. He posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in the win.

Kidd was playing despite a cracked rib revealed Thursday, which was the NBA’s trading deadline.

Vince Carter added 26 points and had 11 rebounds for the Nets, who halted a three-game losing streak. Eddie House notched 20 points, while Marcus Williams added 19 for New Jersey.

The Nets, who are 15-14 at home this season, remain without forward Richard Jefferson, who is still out at least another two weeks because of right ankle surgery.

The Knicks were involved in a tight game on Friday, but emerged as winners over the Bucks.

Channing Frye hit two free throws after a controversial foul on Andrew Bogut with 0.8 seconds remaining, as New York beat Milwaukee, 95-93. Frye’s free throws came courtesy of a loose ball foul on Bogut as the two battled for a rebound off a Stephon Marbury miss.

Officials huddled and went to a replay to determine if time was left on the clock. Bogut’s left hand barely made contact with Frye, causing the questionable foul call.

Marbury and Jamal Crawford each had 22 points for the Knicks, who posted their second win in three games. Eddy Curry was limited to 10 points, but had 11 rebounds for the Knicks.

New York is 10-18 on the road this season, but will return home to host the Heat on Monday.

On the injury front, forward David Lee (high right ankle sprain) and guard Steve Francis (flu) are both questionable for today’s game.