GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The Knicks haven't won an Atlantic Division title in 19 years.

The Celtics have won five in a row.

Tonight the first place Knicks (23-10, 13-3 at home) will try to take another step toward separating themselves from the Celtics (16-17. 6-11 road) by winning the first encounter between the teams this year.

"Tonight is a big game.