Stoudemire Eyes Return For Game 3

Added on Apr 20, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

The back spasms that kept Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire out of the lineup in the second half of last night’s loss to Boston shouldn’t prevent him for suiting up for Friday’s key Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Stoudemire played through pain after coming up lame in pregame warmups, but couldn’t answer the bell after halftime.

To say the Knicks missed Amare in Game 2 would be an understatement. His inside presence in Game 1 resulted in 28 points and 11 rebounds, which was nearly good enough to help pull off an upset. He feels confident he’ll be able to play on Friday night.

“We’ll see how it goes [Wednesday] and next day, but I’m pretty sure — I’m hoping — I’ll be ready Friday.”

The problem with back spasms is you never know when they will flare up. Even if Stoudemire rests today and tomorrow, there’s always a chance another pregame spell could prevent him from taking the court.

The Knicks are still unsure of point guard Chauncey Billups’ availability after he missed Game 2 with a left knee sprain. Toney Douglas filled in and finished with 14 points and seven boards, but allowed Rajon Rondo to drop 30. If for some reason both Billups and Stoudemire are out, it’ll be the Carmelo Anthony show again; Melo racked 42 points, 17 rebounds and six assists in Tuesday’s defeat.

New York is hoping a raucous home crowd will provide a much needed boost for Game 3. They always play better at the Garden and have been very competitive in the series thus far, losing both games by a combined five points. However, they are now 0-6 versus the Celtics this season, including 0-2 at MSG.

Source: ESPN.com