TONIGHT: New York Knicks, 8

WHERE: TD Waterhouse Centre.

RECORDS: Magic 25-24. Knicks 19-28.

BROADCAST: TV -- Sunshine Network, TBS. Radio -- 580 AM (WDBO) in Orlando, Spanish-language coverage on 1440 AM (WPRD).

PROBABLE STARTERS: Magic -- F Mike Miller (6-8), F Pat Garrity (6-9), C Horace Grant (6-10), G Tracy McGrady (6-8), G Darrell Armstrong (6-1). Knicks -- F Latrell Sprewell (6-5), F Clarence Weatherspoon (6-7), C Kurt Thomas (6-9), G Allan Houston (6-6), G Mark Jackson (6-3).

KNICKS UPDATE: Like the Magic, they went into the all-star break with a victory over one of the league's weaklings (Atlanta). They have struggled badly this season. They are expected to miss the playoffs for the first time since the 1986-87 season. Assistant Don Chaney took over when Coach Jeff Van Gundy quit early, and the change hasn't helped.

MAGIC UPDATE: Tracy McGrady is feeling good after an outstanding performance in the NBA All-Star Game Sunday. He returned to Orlando after the game with several teammates and front-office people who also went to Philadelphia. McGrady looked like the best player on the East team, overshadowed only by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Patrick Ewing is expected back for the Magic after missing the previous 14 games with tendinitis in his right calf. He practiced Monday for the first time in weeks.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: See how McGrady and Mike Miller respond in the first game after spending the All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia. If the Magic are serious about making a playoff run in the second half, they must do better at home.