KNICK NOTES

The Knicks could be without their starting backcourt tonight at the Garden when they open their post-All-Star-break schedule vs. Golden State.

Allan Houston flew to Houston on Monday to get acupuncture on his nagging “turf toe” injury and have his jammed wrist checked out.

Houston landed in New York at noon and missed yesterday’s practice that saw starting point guard Howard Eisley hyperextend his knee.

The Knicks initially diagnosed Antonio McDyess with a hyperextended knee on the night he cracked his kneecap in the preseason. But the Knicks didn’t deem Eisley’s injury serious enough to schedule an MRI yet. If he misses tonight, Latrell Sprewell may be used at point guard against Warriors’ 5-foot-5 Earl Boykins.

Houston said he hopes to play tonight. He jammed his wrist in the pre-All-Star-break finale vs. the Lakers on Thursday night.

Houston felt so sore Monday when he came on his own to shoot, he took a flight to see a Houston acupuncturist he once used for his sprained ankle.

Houston missed the second half of the Lakers’ game, prompting TNT commentator Danny Ainge to suggest he didn’t want to go back in because he wanted no part of the blowout and suffered a form of “Kobe-itis.”

Ainge later claimed he was joking. Houston hasn’t missed a game all season.

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Commenting on why the Knicks lead the league in 3-point shooting accuracy (39.3 percentage), Houston saluted coach Don Chaney’s offense as a cause – a subtle dig at Jeff Van Gundy’s scheme.

“We’re in more situations now when there’s a good opportunity, we’re open, we don’t hesitate,” he said. “Before, the ball wasn’t moving as well, We didn’t get as good opportunities.”