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CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers can take a big step towards clinching their first playoff spot in the LeBron James era when they host the New York Knicks on Thursday.

The Cavaliers enter Thursday with a one-game lead over the Philadelphia 76ers (39-38) for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The New Jersey Nets (38-40) reside in ninth, 2 1/2 games behind the Cavaliers.

Cleveland, which has not made the postseason since 1998, has put together back-to-back wins for the first time this month.

James is carrying the Cavaliers down the stretch, averaging 32.3 points and 44.0 minutes. He has played all 48 minutes three times in April, including Monday's 114-106 win over the Orlando Magic. James collected 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals as Cleveland matched its highest scoring output this season.

After Thursday's contest, the Cavaliers have three of their remaining four games on the road and just one against a losing team.

The Knicks wrap up their fourth straight losing season. They have dropped 10 of 11 after a 105-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.

Stephon Marbury scored 22 points and added nine assists but New York allowed 67 second-half points in losing its fourth in a row at home.

Cleveland has won seven in a row at home against New York, including a 104-79 rout on January 8. James led five players in double figures with 22 points on 10-of-14 shooting.