The New York Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday night.

The Knicks (12-13) have had an up-and-down season as their record indicates, but they'll enter Friday's game having recorded consecutive victories to come within a game of .500. Their latest success came Wednesday night, when they toppled the Atlanta Hawks by a 113-89 score. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 34 points, complementing them with 17 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Quentin Grimes furnished 23 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks. R.J. Barrett turned in 15 points, seven boards and one steal. Mitchell Robinson produced eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists.

The Knicks expect to be without Ryan Arcidiacono (knee) and Obi Toppin (ankle) for Friday's game.

The Hornets (7-18) have frequently found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard this season, and they'll enter Friday's contest having dropped three straight games. Their most recent stumble came Wednesday night, when they fell to the Brooklyn Nets by a 122-116 score. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 29 points, adding five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kelly Oubre delivered 28 points, eight boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Jalen McDaniels posted 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. P.J. Washington compiled 12 points, seven assists, five boards and one block.

The Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball (ankle), Dennis Smith (ankle), Mark Williams (ankle) and Gordon Hayward (shoulder) for Friday's contest.

Friday's game marks the second of three meetings between the teams this season. The Knicks own a 1-0 series lead.