Nets in firm control of Atlantic

New Jersey is enjoying a six-game winning streak right now and has a 6 1/2 game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the division race. The Nets will play the Sixers two more times this season, so they must continue the winning ways.

The Nets, currently seeded third in the Eastern Conference playoff race, is getting a much-needed boost from All-Star guard Vince Carter.

Carter had a game-high 28 points, six rebounds and five assists in New Jersey’s 112-100 win over Washington on Tuesday at the Verizon Center. He also has eclipsed the 20-point mark 11 straight times this season.

Carter will get another chance to extend his personal streak, as the Nets host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Continental Airlines Arena. New Jersey has won its last three games at home and owns a 22-9 record as the host in 2005-06.

Jason Kidd steps up his game when Minnesota is on the schedule.

Kidd has four career triple-doubles against the Timberwolves with the most recent performance coming on October 31, 2003 with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists.

In the series between Minnesota and New Jersey, the Timberwolves have won four in a row and seven of 12, including a 100-90 win this season on March 1 at the Target Center.