NBA

Streaking Knicks, minus K-Mart, Tyson, eye No. 2 seed in East against Bulls

After clinching their first division title in 19 years, the Knicks already have moved on to their next goals — extending their NBA-best 13 game winning streak, and taking aim at the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Standing in their way are the Bulls, who know a little about snapping streaks.

As well as the Knicks have played in their best regular-season campaign since making the 1999 NBA Finals, the Bulls have had their number. Chicago has won all three meetings this season and snapped Miami’s 27-game streak on March 27. The Knicks hope to avoid the same fate tonight in the United Center.

“We want to keep this thing rolling,” Carmelo Anthony said. “If I said we’re not worried about that, I’d be lying. We want to keep this streak rolling, continue playing the basketball we’ve been playing. Our goal is we’re going in there to win that game in Chicago.’’

Anthony, who missed the Dec. 8 loss in Chicago, and was at a loss for why his team has struggled against the Bulls.

“I don’t know. Some teams have certain teams’ numbers, and it seems like the Bulls this regular season had it. We’ve got one more shot at it, one more shot to go out there, win the game, keep our streak alive and do what we’ve got to do.’’

To keep the streak alive the Knicks will have to win on the road against one of the NBA’s most physical teams, and do it with an injury-riddled frontcourt. Tyson Chandler (bulging disc in neck) and Kenyon Martin (sprained left ankle) are out tonight, and Amar’e Stoudemire has been sidelined for a while.

With Marcus Camby listed as doubtful, it’s likely the 6-foot-8 Anthony and 6-foot-8 Chris Copeland will have to play center. The question is whether it will be just for tonight, or if the injury Martin sustained Tuesday against Washington will threaten his playoff availability.

“No, I hope not… we’ve got a good medical staff. They’ll nurse him back and we’ll get him back on the floor soon,’’ said coach Mike Woodson, who gushed about the Bulls, tonight’s opponent.

“They’re a complete team, even though they’re missing a major piece in Derrick Rose, the supporting cast that plays on that team can play. They’re a tough matchup not only for us but for a lot of teams in this league.’’

The Knicks are close to clinching the No. 2 seed, leading Indiana by 2 1/2 games with five games left. Their magic number is three and the Pacers come to the Garden on Sunday.

“It’s very important. That’s another one of our goals,” Anthony said. “We clinched the division, and we wanted the No. 1 seed, but unfortunately we couldn’t do that. But we’ll take the No. 2 seed. That’s what we’re fighting for. The next couple games are definitely big for us on the confidence level. The game Sunday is definitely a meaningful game for us.’’

The No. 2 seed would potentially give the Knicks homecourt advantage over Indiana in the second round, and avoid Miami until the conference finals.

“So many people come up to us and say ‘Thank you for bringing New York basketball back,’ ” Steve Novak said. “You sense that, you feel that from the fans. There’s definitely an electricity late in the season. [But] this is not our ultimate goal. We understand the championship is the goal, that’s why we have it up on our locker.’’