Amar'e Stoudemire, Kenyon Martin out at least two weeks each

The Knicks will be without key reserves Amar'e Stoudemire and Kenyon Martin for "at least two weeks,'' according to Mike Woodson.

An MRI on Stoudemire's left ankle, which he injured in Thursday's loss in Indiana, confirmed a sprain and a bone bruise. Martin also had an MRI on his left ankle, which he aggravated Thursday, and the Knicks said he has a sprain and tendinitis.

Woodson said seldom-used Cole Aldrich and Jeremy Tyler are "going to have to play some now'' behind Tyson Chandler and Andrea Bargnani. Aldrich did not play Friday night; Tyler had six points in 14:16.

Woodson also said there's a "possibility'' he could go back to the smaller lineup he used last season, with Carmelo Anthony starting at power forward (Bargnani would come off the bench). It will depend on matchups. The Clippers start a big front line, so Woodson stuck with Anthony, Bargnani and Chandler up front Friday night.

"I know we were great last year with Melo at the [power forward], and Melo hasn't had an opportunity to play a lot of four this year based on Bargnani, and having Kenyon and Amar'e,'' Woodson said. "You'll probably see more four now that those guys are out.''

Stoudemire had been playing well lately, averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in his last 12 games. He turned his ankle when he was fouled on a drive, remained in the game to take the free throws and then left. At least it wasn't his knees. He had three knee procedures between last October and July.

Martin, who has been the Knicks' best interior defender, started at center recently with Chandler out for four games with bronchitis.

The Knicks also are without Pablo Prigioni (fractured big toe) and Metta World Peace (knee procedure). Prigioni, who has missed the past 16 games, hopes to return Monday against the Nets.

Criticism downplayed

Woodson responded to a report that said Anthony criticized him for not making an "adjustment'' to counter Indiana. Anthony was being critical of the team as a whole, calling it an "embarrassing'' and "frustrating'' performance.

"We probably could have played some zone, but hell, they scored the first two buckets right off the bat to start the third quarter,'' Woodson said. "To me, that was just effort. Melo has that right to say that. We as a group, we stunk. After that first quarter, we were all awful. Everybody had their hand in it.''

Buzzer-beaters

Tim Hardaway Jr. thought he sprained his left wrist Thursday, as he did in summer league, but X-rays were negative and he scored six points Friday night . . . The Knicks, who fell to 7-13 at home, began an eight-game homestand, which ties the longest in franchise history. They went 4-4 when they played eight straight at the Garden from Dec. 13-30, 1986.