Knicks’ Anthony Injury Update

David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

The New York Knicks don’t need anymore setbacks as they jostle for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. But they could be without their superstar Carmelo Anthony for a few games. Or so it may seem.

After leaving the Knicks’ 102-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers laboring on his right knee on Monday night, Anthony is expected to be re-evaluated before Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. No X-Rays or MRI examinations have been scheduled and he will be a game-time decision on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“My knee gave out,” Anthony told New York Post’s Fred Kerber. “My leg gave out.”

In the second quarter, the All-Star forward appeared to trip at midcourt. After trainers attended to Anthony, he left for the locker room and never returned. And unfortunately, it’s been a problem he’s been suffering with for quite some time.

“It’s just sore, not pain, sore and stiffness,” Anthony said after Monday night’s game. “It’s been going on for a while now.”

Anthony has been the heart and sole of the Knicks, who are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference. If they slip any further, they could be replaced by the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls who are no more than three games back of New York.

The nine-year veteran has had a sensational year, even for him. In 50 games, he’s posted a 28.2 points per game, which ranks second best in the league. He’s also accrued 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and a staggering 23.22 PER. He’s shooting 40 percent from the field and posts a more than respectable 38 percent from beyond the arc.

If Anthony is unavailable to play on Thursday night, Amar’e Stoudemire will likely take his place. The 30-year old power forward has played mostly from off the bench this season and, most recently, tallied 22 points in 32 minutes to overcome a second-half deficit from the Cavs.

Stoudemire is averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game since coming back from injury.