Celtics play Knicks without KG

"Going up against Boston, it's not a great place to get well," D'Antoni said. "At the same time, we'll try to win. I don't know if I want to measure ourselves against the world champions on the road."

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Randolph's big start has again drawn interest from the Clippers, who nearly traded for him when they were under the cap last July. Randolph has eight straight double- doubles - the first Knick to do so since Patrick Ewing 13 years ago.

Trading Randolph is essential to getting under the salary cap by 2010, but they can't take a long-term contract back. The Clippers reportedly were shopping C Chris Kaman, who has a long-term deal.

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Rookie Danilo Gallinari traveled with the club to Boston to see a back specialist today and then he heads to L.A. Thursday. Only after those appointments will surgery be ruled out. As it is, Gallinari likely will be out at least two more months resting his bulging disc.

marc.berman@nypost.com

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