Knicks, Magic battle at MSG

Orlando has won two of its last three and recorded a 103-91 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on February 14. Hedo Turkoglu scored 24 points and Darko Milicic had a career-high 21 and eight rebounds to lead the Magic at Amway Arena.

All-Star Dwight Howard had 20 points and 16 rebounds for the Magic, who sit 3 1/2 games behind Washington in the Southeast Division. Carlos Arroyo tallied 15 points with seven assists in the winning effort.

The Magic, who will also visit the Detroit Pistons, have dropped four in a row on the road and are 9-16 away from Amway Arena this season. Orlando guard Jameer Nelson (flu) is probable for Tuesday’s game against New York.

During Sunday’s All-Star Game, Howard was the only participant to record a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have lost two of their last three games, including a 120-101 setback to the Golden State Warriors last Wednesday in the finale of a three-game road trip out west.

Nate Robinson poured in a season-best 23 points while Eddy Curry, Renaldo Balkman and David Lee each netted 13 points for the Knicks, who own a 13-13 mark at MSG this season.

Robinson was unsuccessful in his attempt to repeat as Slam Dunk champion during Saturday’s All-Star Game festivities. Robinson lost in the final round to Boston’s Gerald Green.

New York is six games off the lead in the Atlantic Division.

Tuesday’s game between Orlando and New York is the second of three meetings this season. The Knicks won the first matchup by a 94-86 score on February 3 at Amway Arena.

Orlando, though, has won four of six and five of the last eight meetings with New York. It also has won three of its last five trips to the Big Apple.