PLAYER NOTES:

--F Jared Jeffries expects to get medical clearance to begin practicing with the Knicks in the next seven to 10 days. He's been out since training camp with a fractured left fibula. "I think it all depends on my threshold for pain," Jeffries said.

--F Danilo Gallinari headed up the coast with the Knicks, but he wasn't ready to play. The injured rookie came along to visit another back specialist in Boston. The latest opinion was no different than any of the others. Gallinari will continue to rest and re-evaluate.

--F Quentin Richardson didn't waste any time resuming his running conversation with Paul Pierce, who always seems to have the right answer. "Some players don't like each other," Richardson said. "I don't really care. That's how it's always been with me and him. At the end of the day we lost, they won. That's what really matters."

MEDICAL WATCH:

--F Jared Jeffries (fractured left fibula) is using a hyperbaric chamber in hopes of speeding the healing process, but he's expected to be out until December. There is a chance he will be able to practice in the next two weeks.

--C Eddy Curry (bruised knee) needed a cortisone shot recently to relieve the pain. He is dressing in case of emergency but is not ready to resume practicing.

--F Danilo Gallinari (back) was instructed by two back specialists to get a second cortisone shot and rest for several weeks before the situation is re-evaluated. There is a possibility the rookie will need season-ending surgery.