Nets visit Atlantic Division-rival New York

New Jersey, which is tied atop the Atlantic Division with Toronto, is two games ahead of New York in the standings and posted a 92-85 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night down south.

Vince Carter scored 26 points and Jason Kidd had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Nets, who have won four of five. Bostjan Nachbar added 10 points off the bench for New Jersey.

The Nets will wrap up a brief two-game road trip on Friday and are 6-10 away from Continental Airlines Arena this season.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have dropped two of their last three games, including Wednesday’s 99-98 setback to the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center.

Quentin Richardson posted a season-high 35 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Knicks. Eddy Curry registered 18 points and eight rebounds, while David Lee added 11 points and 10 boards off the bench.

New York is 10-11 this season at historic Madison Square Garden this season.

Friday’s showdown between New Jersey and New York is the first of four meetings this season.

The Nets, who went 3-1 against the Knicks last season, have won six of seven and 12 of the last 15 meetings.

New Jersey has won four straight, six of seven and nine of its last 11 at MSG.