KNICK NOTES

Jeff Van Gundy has enough to worry about devising a game plan to stop Vince Carter but the Knicks coach isn’t thrilled with the way the first-round series will be dragged out.

There was a report that there will be two-to-three days off between each of the first-round games. The Knicks are likely to begin their first-round series against Toronto Sunday at home. Game 2 is expected to be Wednesday.

Now it appears Game 3 will be held the following Sunday in Toronto, giving the teams three days off.

If necessary, Game 4 would be on that Wednesday and Game 5 Sunday, giving the teams another three days off.

“Maybe more rest will help,” Van Gundy said, “but I just like how it used to be. Play a game, have off, play again.”

Van Gundy noted that Patrick Ewing historically has been less productive with three days off.

“It’s a dramatic change from what’s happened in the past,” Van Gundy said.

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C Chris Dudley was activated from the injured list after missing seven games with a bulging disk. Dudley, who has been out of the rotation, said the rest helped.

“The time off helped but I wouldn’t say it’s gone,” Dudley said. “I’ll be able to play in the playoffs.”

Knicks finish regular season tonight in Boston vs. lottery-bound Celtics.

Van Gundy said he would be more inclined to reduce some players’ minutes tonight than last night.