Francis expected to debut for Knicks against Nets

The 29-year-old Francis was acquired from the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in exchange for guard Anfernee Hardaway and second-year forward Trevor Ariza. Francis was averaging 16.2 points and 5.7 assists for the Magic, but had feuded with head coach Brian Hill and was suspended earlier in the season for conduct detrimental to the team.

Francis now joins an abysmal Knicks team where he will team up with Stephon Marbury in a very crowded backcourt.

New York enters tonight’s tilt on a sour note after falling to the Miami Heat, 103-83, on Wednesday at MSG. Marbury returned to the lineup after an eight- game absence but finished with just seven points on 2-of-11 shooting for the Knicks, who have lost 17 of their last 19 games.

Marbury missed those eight games because of a shoulder ailment.

Rookie Channing Frye paced the Knicks with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Quentin Richardson had 14 points in defeat.

The Knicks, who will hit the road for three games after tonight’s affair, are 11-16 in their arena this season.

New Jersey, meanwhile, comes into tonight’s affair riding a three-game winning streak after Jason Kidd had 28 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds to lead the Nets to a 96-93 win over the short- handed Magic on Wednesday at Continental Airlines Arena.

Richard Jefferson netted 23 and also grabbed eight boards and Vince Carter scored 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds for New Jersey, which has won four of five and seven of nine.

The Nets, who will host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, are 12-16 away from home this season.

New Jersey has already beaten the hapless Knicks twice already this season and has won five straight and six of the last seven meetings. The Nets have also won five of six and eight of 10 in New York.