Hornets, Knicks Set for Pivotal Regular-Season Finale NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks will close their regular seasons Sunday at Madison Square Garden in a game with potential playoff seeding implications for the Eastern Conference contenders. The Knicks (54-29), securely in the postseason field, enter the 1 p.m. EDT tip-off looking to solidify their standing and avenge a 114-103 home loss to the Hornets just over two weeks ago on March 26. New York has won three of its last four, including a 112-95 victory over Toronto on Friday. Charlotte (43-38), fighting for optimal playoff positioning, aims to rebound from a 118-100 home loss to Detroit on Friday. Despite that defeat, the Hornets have won seven of their last 10 games. They split the season series with New York, with each team winning on its home court. The matchup features two of the league’s premier talents. Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is averaging 22.7 points and 7.9 assists over his last 10 games, including a 22-point, 6-assist performance in the March win over New York. He scored 27 points in Friday’s loss to Detroit. Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns has recorded a double-double in eight of his last 10 outings, averaging 20.2 points and 13.1 rebounds in that span. He was limited to 13 points and three rebounds in 22 minutes during the late-March loss in Charlotte. The Hornets’ recent surge has been fueled by offensive efficiency, scoring at least 114 points in eight of their last 10 games. Forwards Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges provide key support for Ball. Miller scored 22 points in the loss to Detroit. New York counters with a balanced attack led by Towns, complemented by a defense that has held opponents under 110 points in three of its last four wins. The Knicks are 30-13 at home this season. Sunday’s result could impact first-round playoff matchups, adding stakes to the regular-season finale for both clubs.