Team president Donnie Walsh expects Gallinari to see one more doctor after the trip — Gallinari has already seen four — and then have a decision next week.

"We've always known that there could be a possibility of surgery, but all the doctors advised us to do what we've done because there's a good chance that it could get cured that way," Walsh said.

"That's my question. Should we continue what we're doing or will surgery be an answer here?"

Gallinari missed all of preseason because of his bulging disc, then played the first two games before he sat out from November through mid-January. He returned Jan. 17, and has been able to play consistently - he hasn't missed a game because of the back since. But on the four-game road trip, Gallinari shot 3-for-14 while seeing his minutes diminish from 20 to 16 to 12 to six.

A couple of weeks ago, Gallinari - who was not available to the media yesterday - admitted his back and leg pain was not improving, saying, "It doesn't change much. ... I feel always the same discomfort for all the games."

As Nate Robinson said yesterday, "You should see how much treatment he has to go through just to come out for practice and games."

Coach Mike D'Antoni said, "Mentally, it was taking a toll."

Even if Gallinari doesn't need surgery, the Knicks didn't say for certain they'd let him continue playing.

"I think he could keep playing. But at 70 percent," Walsh said. "And so there is a time factor here that if surgery is the answer, we'd like to get it done as soon as possible, so that he'd be back in time for next year's training camp."

More notes

Al Harrington sprained his right ankle in practice yesterday and is questionable for tonight against the Nets.

Chris Duhon, after missing two games with back soreness, is slated to return. Wilson Chandler (sore left ankle) is probable.

The Knicks signed Demetris Nichols to a second 10-day contract.