The Knicks have lost three straight and six of nine. They are just three games up on Milwaukee for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

They can either create some extra space in that race or make things a little tighter on Friday.

With that in mind, here are a few things to watch when New York sets food on the Bradley Center floor:

STARTING FIVE: With Tyson Chandler (hamstring) and Jared Jeffries likely out, the Knicks will have to shuffle the rotation. On Wednesday against San Antonio, Josh Harrellson and Iman Shumpert started. The results, though no direct indictment of Shumpert and Harrellson, were disastrous. Toney Parker & Co. torched New York and for 60 points in the paint in a blowout win.

So who starts on Friday? Mike D'Antoni told reporters that he may go with a smaller lineup. This wouldn't seem to be a huge risk against the Bucks, who rank 28th in rebounding differential (-4.1). But Drew Gooden has grabbed eight rebounds per game in the last six since coming back from a wrist injury.

SLIDING ON 'D': The Knicks have struggled on defense over the past few games, coinciding with the return of Carmelo Anthony.

The Knicks allowed just 90.2 points per game while Anthony was sidelined with a groin injury. In the seven games after that, they've given up 102.1 points per game. They are 2-5 in that stretch.

New York also allowed 94 points per 100 possessions during Anthony's absence (which includes the win over Utah as Anthony played just six minutes due to injury). In the last seven games, the club has allowed 100.6 points per 100 possessions, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Can they tighten it up against a Milwaukee team that ranks 18th in offensive efficiency?

STOPPING BRANDON JENNINGS: Jennings was on the board when the Knicks selected eighth in the 2009 draft. Instead of taking the explosive guard, they opted for Jordan Hill. And Jennings has been making them pay ever since.

In eight games against the Knicks, Jennings has scored 20.1 points per game. Milwaukee is 7-1 in that span. Jennings dropped a season-high 36 points in the Bucks' 100-86 win at the Garden on Jan. 20. Milwaukee has won 11 of 13 against the Knicks.