Sinking 76ers visit struggling Knicks

The Sixers, who are clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, have lost three in a row and 10 of their last 12 games overall, including Wednesday’s 101-91 setback to Detroit at the Wachovia Center.

Allen Iverson led the Sixers with 28 points and five assists and Chris Webber scored 23 points. Philly now leads the Chicago Bulls by 1 1/2 games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East.

Philadelphia, which is 10 games behind New Jersey in the Atlantic, has lost its last four road games and is 12-22 away from the Wachovia Center this season.

The Knicks have lost six in a row and suffered a 123-98 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday at MSG.

Eddy Curry had 20 points and eight boards for the Knicks, who have dropped eight of their last 10 games. Qyntel Woods also scored 20 points and Stephon Marbury had 19 for New York.

The lowly Knicks have lost their last four home games and are 13-23 at Madison Square Garden this season.

The season series between Philadelphia and New York is tied at a game apiece with the Knicks winning five of the last seven meetings.

Philadelphia has lost six straight and 14 of its last 18 at Madison Square Garden.