Despite the season being just six weeks old, the New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets already are separated by 7 1/2 games in the Eastern Conference standings.

They also are bonded by the belief that their efforts in their most recent games left a lot to be desired.

The Knicks and visiting Hornets each will be looking to bounce back from disappointing defeats on Wednesday when the teams meet for the second time this season.

New York will be completing a back-to-back set after suffering a 123-117 loss Tuesday night to the host Boston Celtics.

The setback snapped a four-game winning streak for the Knicks, whose average margin of victory during the surge was 18 points.

New York appeared as if it might cruise again Tuesday after racing out to a 14-point first-quarter lead, but the Celtic

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