Tonight, Orlando's Patrick Ewing will likely make his last appearance as a player in Madison Square Garden.

The veteran center spent 15 years with the Knicks before leaving for Seattle last year. Ewing has started only three games and has played in just 60 (of 75) with Orlando this season. He is playing 14 minutes a game and has career-low averages of 6.0 points and 4.1 rebounds.

Ewing has not announced whether this would be his last season or not, but Orlando coach Doc Rivers believes this is it.

"I believe he probably knows," said Rivers, who played parts of three seasons with Ewing in New York. "(Not announcing it) stays to the way he is. Most people of his stature would announce it to go out, in my opinion, the right way, to go out with the fanfare. But that's so anti-Patrick.

"I think he would rather just untie his shoes his final game, jump in his car and go home."

Ewing expects a rousing welcome in New York.

"Whether it's the last game for me there or not, they have always treated me well, and I'm sure they'll show their appreciation again (tonight)," said Ewing, who declined to say whether this season would be his last.

Rivers said it has been difficult to watch Ewing not be able to contribute, not only because they are friends but because he brought Ewing to Orlando with the thought he would be a starter and give the Magic 25 to 30 minutes a night.

It has not worked out that way, and Ewing has even had to suffer the indignity of getting a DNP (did not play)-coaches decision.