Amar'e, Melo out two more games
Amar'e Stoudemire will miss the next two games as he mourns the death of his brother, and Carmelo Anthony will be out at least that long with a groin strain. (undated file photo) Credit: Jim McIsaac
WASHINGTON -- The Knicks will be without Amar'e Stoudemire for two more games as he mourns the loss of his older brother Hazell.
Coach Mike D'Antoni said Stoudemire, who is in Florida with his family, will rejoin the Knicks for practice Monday. Hazell Stoudemire was killed in a car wreck Monday in Florida.
The Knicks host the Lakers Friday and play in Minnesota Saturday against the Timberwolves. Stoudemire will be back for Tuesday's game against the Raptors in Toronto.
Carmelo Anthony also will miss at least the next two games. He's out 1-2 weeks after straining his right groin in Monday's win over Utah.
Anthony's injury could force him to miss the Feb. 26 All-Star Game in Orlando. No decision has been made, but Anthony, who was voted a starter, has had various ailments. It may make sense not to worsen anything because the Knicks likely will have to make a second-half push to reach the playoffs.
But the groin issue should allow him to rest the wrist, thumb and ankle problems that have hampered him this season.
The All-Star reserves -- picked by the coaches -- will be revealed Thursday night. Stoudemire has an outside shot at making it.
Fields gets in Challenge
Second-year swingman Landry Fields was named to the Rising Stars Challenge -- formerly the Rookie-Sophomore game -- that will be played during All-Star Weekend. A noticeable omission was guard Iman Shumpert, who is sixth in rookie scoring.
"I was shocked that he didn't make it," D'Antoni said. "I'm not taking anything away from the other guys who made it. That's great. I don't even know who votes for them."
Someone then told him NBA assistant coaches pick the team. "Could be a reason why they're assistants," D'Antoni joked.
Shumpert didn't seem overly bothered by not making it. "I guess I'm a little disappointed, but whatever," he said. "It would have been a nice accomplishment and everything. But I'm more worried about turning the season around."
In the new format, the rookies and sophomores play on the same team with general managers Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley drafing rosters.
Second-year guard Jeremy Lin was left off, too. But he hasn't played enough to deserve recognition.
Lin's pact guaranteed
Lin's contract is guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Deals become guaranteed Feb. 10, but players had to be cut Tuesday in order to clear waivers in time.
If Lin hadn't had this impressive run that made him a starter, the Knicks probably would have waived him and brought him back on a 10-day deal.
Knicks fix
The Lin phenomenon forced the Wizards p.r. staff to open the hockey box for press seating because they credentialed 15 people from Asian media outlets Wednesday night . . . Baron Davis (herniated disc) is scheduled to have an individual workout Thursday, but isn't ready to practice.
