NBA Notebook | Knicks, Stephon Marbury likely to meet

NEW YORK — New York Knicks President Donnie Walsh said Stephon Marbury's situation has "spiraled down," but provided no solution Saturday for how the team will part ways with the disgruntled point guard.

Walsh suspended Marbury for the game against Golden State because the Knicks said Marbury refused to play Wednesday night in a loss at Detroit. The Knicks also docked his pay from that night, with the penalties costing Marbury nearly $400,000.

Walsh said he would probably talk to Marbury and his representation from the players' association Monday to address a stalemate that turned ugly this week. Walsh has said he's opposed to buyouts and agreed that it's difficult to trade Marbury because of his salary of approximately $21 million, but it seems obvious the Knicks have to do something soon.

"I think everybody came into it with good intentions and it hasn't worked out, so we've got to acknowledge that," Walsh said.

Walsh didn't criticize the former All-Star directly, but was bothered that he wouldn't play when the Knicks were short-handed after trades and injuries.

Marbury isn't part of coach Mike D'Antoni's plans and has been on the inactive list most of the season. However, D'Antoni twice asked Marbury if would play when the Knicks faced serious numbers problems.

The players' association plans to file a grievance because Marbury insists he never refused.

Notes

• Houston guard Tracy McGrady missed the Rockets' game Saturday night against San Antonio because of a sore left knee. McGrady also sat out Wednesday night against Indiana, and will miss the Rockets' game Sunday in Denver.

• Golden State scoring leader Stephen Jackson missed the Warriors game against New York on Saturday because of a sprained left wrist.

• Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus will be out three to five weeks because of a torn ligament in his right thumb.