Amare Stoudemire Will Sit With Ankle Injury

Added on Apr 08, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire will miss tonight’s game against the Nets with a sprained ankle, and could be sidelined for Sunday’s game at the Pacers. With the Knicks jockeying for playoff position in the Eastern Conference, the hope is Stoudemire will be available for key matchups next week versus Chicago and Boston to end the season.

Head coach Mike D’Antoni is being cautious with his second-leading scorer and leading rebounder, careful not to rush him back too soon.

“He would have probably played if it wasn’t [swollen]. But we just want to make sure he’s 100 percent. He’s not right now, but he will be in a couple days,” D’Antoni said. “Maybe three or four days. We’ll be cautious Sunday. If it’s perfect, then he’ll play. If not, then we’ll wait another two days.”

With four games remaining, the Knicks are in sixth place in the East, 1/2 game ahead of the Sixers, who they defeated on Wednesday night to leap frog them in the standings. They finish with three of four on the road, while the Sixers will play their last three all at home. An opening round series against either Boston or Miami awaits both teams.

Stoudemire has started 77 games this season and is averaging 25.4 points and 8.2 boards. Reserve Shelden Williams is expected to start in his place.

Source: ESPN.com