Nets try to get back on winning track versus Knicks

New Jersey had a two-game winning streak come to an end with Thursday’s 94-76 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Vince Carter scored 26 points and Jason Kidd finished with eight points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Nets, who fell two games behind Washington for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey, which is a game ahead of the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic and two games in front of the Indiana Pacers, is 22-17 as the host this season. The Nets’ magic number for clinching a postseason spot is now two.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will resume their three-game road trip and have lost two in a row, including Tuesday’s 98-69 setback to the Chicago Bulls in the opener of the trek at the United Center.

Nate Robinson poured in 24 points, Channing Frye had 16 points and 11 boards, and Mardy Collins finished with 15 points for New York, which has dropped 10 of its last 12 games and is slowly fading from the playoff picture.

The Knicks are currently four games behind the Orlando Magic for the eighth and final postseason spot in the East, with four games left on the schedule. They will also visit Toronto on the road trip and own a 13-25 record away from Madison Square Garden this season.

New York must win the rest of its games, and needs Orlando, Indiana and Philadelphia to fall down the stretch.

On the injury front for the lowly Knicks, forwards Renaldo Balkman (virus) and David Lee (leg) are questionable for Friday’s game against New Jersey. Guard Stephon Marbury (toe) is listed as doubtful at the Nets.

Friday’s game between Atlantic Division rivals is the third of four meetings this season. New Jersey is 2-0 so far in the series and has won eight of nine and nine of the last 11 meetings. Both teams will meet again on April 16 at Madison Square Garden.

New York has lost 10 of 12 and 11 of its last 14 at the Meadowlands.