Enes Kanter of the Knicks reacts after committing a foul against...

Enes Kanter of the Knicks reacts after committing a foul against the Hornets at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 9, 2018. Credit: Jim McIsaac

LAKEWOOD, Colo. — There may not be a lot to look forward to for the Knicks as the new year begins. They’re in the midst of a brutal road trip and on a seven-game losing streak, and on Tuesday night, they’ll face the Nuggets, who hold the best record in the Western Conference at 23-11.

But after the game, it might be interesting.

Enes Kanter, who expressed his frustration after the Knicks’ 32-point loss in Utah on Saturday night, sounded no happier with two days to think about his situation. Kanter, who was not in the starting lineup in the last two games — and will come off the bench again Tuesday night — was asked about his role and frustration, and he turned over and over again to the same mantra.

“Ask me after the game,” he said. “I’ll have a better answer.”

Kanter had reason to be frustrated Saturday. He was displeased with being replaced by Luke Kornet in the starting lineup, then shooting 0-for-6 and going scoreless in a game in which the Knicks (9-28) trailed by as many as 46 points. He also had a sore back that he said he told the team about and was told to play.

“I told everybody my back was hurting,” he said after the game in Utah. “They said push through it. I tried to push through it. I wasn’t feeling good out there.”

The team is listing him as probable for Tuesday’s game, but Kanter, who said the back problem was a spasm, said: “I’m good. I’m going to play. I’m not questionable.”

Actually, if only it were as simple as declaring he’s going to play, Kanter might not have a problem. But the 26-year-old center has become the victim of the shifting lineups of first-year coach David Fizdale. Fizdale didn’t speak to Kanter one-on- one about his frustration, but he addressed the entire team at the start of practice on the topic.

“We talked to the group about it — just frustrations that come with being in and out of the lineup,” Fizdale said. “He’s not the only one. We got a bunch of them pulled in and out. I just wanted them to know I’m not a robot. I know that what I’m doing may affect you one way or another, but you got to respond to it in the right way and make sure you bring yourself to work with a positive attitude and trying to contribute to the group. That’s what I keep pushing to them — staying with the group and chopping the tree.

“We all feel frustrated. Losing is tough even when you know you’re going into the game as an underdog. It doesn’t make it easy when you see the result. These guys are invested in trying to win games. I don’t want to sit on my high horse and say I’m above it all and act like I don’t understand where they’re coming from. At the same time, how we handle it has to be the right way.’”

Kanter was asked directly if he will ask for a trade. “I like it here,” he said. “I like the fans here. Lot of good people here. Lot of good teammates. And I’m trying to stay positive, trying to support my teammates. All I can do right now — it’s a test and it’s definitely one of the hardest tests of my career. I’ve just got to stay positive. I like it here.

“I do love New York. I’ve got no problem with New York. I’ve got no problem with the team, the organization or the fans. I love it here . . . I want to play.”

Trading him would not be a simple task. While the Knicks might be open to that, he comes with an expiring $18-million contract, and the Knicks have no intention of taking back any contracts that extend beyond this season. They have said they will not trade draft picks or young players.

“As long as these are my guys and in the gym with me, I’m coaching the hell out of them and making them better players,” Fizdale said. “I’ll leave that kind of stuff to Scott [Perry, the general manager] to handle that. As long as anybody’s under my roof, they’re a Knick and I’ll put my full attention into them.’’

Notes & quotes: Emmanuel Mudiay is set to play his first game back in Denver after being traded last season but is listed as questionable with a mild sprain of his right ankle. “I’m good,” he said. “We’re going to do some more [treatment] so we’ll see how I feel [Tuesday].”

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