Raptors aim to extend division lead against Knicks

Toronto currently owns a six-game lead over New Jersey for the division lead, while the third-place Knicks are another half-game back of the Nets for both second place and the eighth playoff spot in the East.

The Raptors had a four-game winning streak snapped on Friday when they were defeated by Houston, 114-100. Chris Bosh tallied 16 points and 19 rebounds for the Raptors while T.J. Ford led the way with 18 points and eight assists. Juan Dixon ended with 17 points and Andrea Bargnani scored 16 in a losing cause.

Guards Anthony Parker (sprained right ankle) and Jose Calderon (sprained left ankle) both missed the Houston game and are questionable for today’s game.

Toronto is 13-20 on the road this season, but will play its next two games at home following today’s contest. It hosts Orlando on Wednesday.

New York also comes in on a losing note, having been defeated by New Orleans/Oklahoma City on Friday. Steve Francis had 21 points and 10 assists, but missed a potential game-winning three-pointer in a 92-90 defeat, the Knicks’ second in a row.

Channing Frye scored 20 points and Eddy Curry had 18 for the Knicks, who play the second of a four-game homestand today. The club is 17-15 as the host this year, having won seven of its last nine at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks will also receive visits from Dallas and Portland as they continue to battle for a playoff spot.

New York could be without Quentin Richardson today, as the guard is questionable with a sore lower back.

Toronto has won three in a row over New York, including two matchups this season. The clubs just met in Toronto on Wednesday, with the Raptors posting a 104-94 victory.

The Raptors have won seven of the last eight in the series and three of the last four in New York.