KNICK NOTES

Despite Jamal Crawford’s expected return today vs. Chicago, a hobbled Allan Houston will remain in the starting lineup. But that’s likely temporary.

Houston’s incompetence is the chief cause to the Knicks’ demise in losing six of seven. Houston indicated after Saturday’s benching he’s considered sitting out to get healthier but said yesterday he’s not at that point.

In the six losses, Houston has shot 32.9 percent. In their lone win, over Portland, Houston was 8-of-12 for 25 points. With Crawford back from a 10-game absence, the dependence on Houston lessens.

“I have to be patient with myself,” Houston said. “I think I was naive in thinking I’d come in right away and be the same.”

Houston’s decision in September to hire a former Olympian gold-medal-winning high jumper in Charles Austin as his personal trainer has backfired. Houston’s feeling pain in his knees and doesn’t have the strength in his legs to fight through picks or mobility to get to loose balls or get open.

“I’ve never been the type to stand around and wait for a shot to come,” Houston said. “I’ve always been able to create that for myself. I’m getting to the point I have to make the adjustment.”

Said Tim Thomas: “I feel for him because I know he’s way better than that. I know in the past playing against him, his game was at a whole another level.”

Wilkens says Crawford’s injury hurt Houston, forcing him to play 30-plus minutes before being ready. “You always say the best-laid plans, then something turns it around,” Wilkens said.

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In a feature in his hometown Chicago Tribune, Isiah Thomas said, “The history is this is a place where no one really has been able to win.” Thomas was apparently discounting the Knicks’ two NBA championships (1970, 1973) and two Eastern Conference titles in past 11 years (1994, 1999). In the story, Thomas was said to still have interest in Toronto’s Jalen Rose, even without Vince Carter in package, and has made contact again with unemployed Keon Clark.