Preview: Clippers Face Uphill Battle Against Surging Knicks at MSG NEW YORK (Interstat) — A struggling Los Angeles Clippers squad aims to halt a recent skid when they visit the Eastern Conference-contending New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night. The Clippers (12-22) enter having lost three of their last four, including a 146-115 home thrashing by the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The Knicks (24-12), despite dropping their last two games, remain among the East’s elite and will look to leverage their home court advantage. Los Angeles will rely heavily on the playmaking of guard James Harden, who is averaging 22.8 points and 7.3 assists over his last 10 games. In the loss to Boston, Harden posted 18 points and 12 assists. Forward Kawhi Leonard, who scored 22 points against the Celtics, provides a secondary scoring threat. However, the Clippers’ defense, which allowed 146 points in their last outing, faces a stern test against a potent Knicks frontcourt anchored by Karl-Anthony Towns. The center is averaging a double-double on the season and is coming off a 23-point, 14-rebound performance in a 130-119 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. Towns has recorded a double-double in seven of his last 10 contests. New York’s backcourt, led by Jalen Brunson (31 points vs. Philadelphia), adds a dynamic perimeter element. The Knicks have won seven of their last 10 games overall. The teams are on divergent paths this season. The Clippers have lost 11 of their last 15 games, while the Knicks have won 14 of their last 20. Following this matchup, the Clippers continue a road trip in Brooklyn on Friday. The Knicks embark on a four-game Western Conference road trip starting in Phoenix on Friday. Wednesday’s contest tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST at Madison Square Garden.