Anthony calls game 'almost a must win' for Knicks

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) - With the New York Knicks in a terrible late-season slump, Carmelo Anthony says their game Monday against the Orlando Magic is “almost a must win for us.”

The Knicks have lost six straight, tying their worst skid of the season, and nine of 10 to fall to 35-38. They are still seventh in the Eastern Conference with room to spare, but coach Mike D'Antoni and team president Donnie Walsh say the playoffs aren't a guarantee.

New York held its first home morning shootaround of the season Monday. The Knicks usually have a walkthrough in the afternoon at Madison Square Garden. But after a day off Sunday, they decided to get to the gym early.

Walsh says: “I think when you're losing a lot, you change something. So we'll see if the change helps us.”