As if things can't get any worse for the New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony will miss the next two games to recover from his injuries to his wrist and ankle.
New York has lost 7 of their last 8 games to give them a dismal record of 7-11. Anthony and the Knicks have not been the same since he injured his wrist two weeks ago in a game against the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition to his existing injuries, Melo is also dealing with an injured right thumb.
"I can't really put my finger on it right now," Anthony said. "I can't figure it out. There's no frustration. I'm thinking about my body. There's a lot going through my mind right now. It's a tough situation right now due to the circumstances, but I'll get it figured out. I'll tell you that."
Anthony has shot 31 percent in his last seven games, including an 0 for 7 game on Tuesday night in a 111-78 rout of Charlotte that saw Anthony score one point. The team was not able to keep that momentum the following night in Cleveland. They played as bad a second half as you can get against an inferior team as they committed 23 turnovers and scored only 36 points in a 91-81 loss to the Cavaliers.
“It’s the same story," Mike D'Antoni said. “We have to find a way to score. We’re hustling, we’re playing hard on defense, but you can’t stay in the 70s and think you’re going to get a win.”
There is still no help on the way as the Knicks thought they were going to get point guard Baron Davis back for tonight's game, but is still not medically cleared to play.
"He just can't perform the way he (needs to)," D'Antoni said. "The medical staff decided it best to take the weekend off."
This would seem like the perfect time for Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire to step to the plate and lead the team the way he did last season. Since coming to New York, Stoudemire has proven to be a much better player when Carmelo Anthony is not in the lineup. He averages 21 with Melo in the lineup and 25 without him. He shoots 47 percent with Melo and 50 without him. If those numbers hold up, Stoudemire maybe in line for a monster game tonight.
New York will get a big break tonight as Dwayne Wade will miss his seventh straight game with a ankle injury. Miami has played well without their superstar guard as they have won five of their last six games.
The Knickerbockers have won their last two meetings against the Heat, including a dramtic 91-86 victory on Feb. 27th in Miami. With the Knicks up by one, Stoudemire made a key block on LeBron James with 8 seconds left that sealed the big win.
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