Stoudemire likely back for Knicks
Amar'e Stoudemire of the Knicks cheers the team on from the sidelines during Saturday's win over the New Jersey Nets in Newark, N.J. (Feb. 12, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
GREENBURGH, N.Y. - So how is Amar'e Stoudemire's toe feeling? It's hard to say definitively; he didn't practice Monday and wasn't available to talk to the media.
But Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni believes Stoudemire will be back for tomorrow night's game against the Hawks and said he could be back on the practice court Tuesday.
Stoudemire injured his right big toe Friday night in a loss to the Lakers, causing him to sit out Saturday's win over the Nets. He is listed as questionable for the Atlanta game. "I think he's fine," D'Antoni said.
With the All-Star Game Sunday in Los Angeles, the Knicks could give Stoudemire 11 days off from regular-season play if he doesn't take the court against the Hawks, as their next game isn't until a week from Wednesday. But he was voted a starter for the East team, and if he plays against Atlanta, he will be expected to log some time in L.A.
There is no official NBA rule that requires banged-up players to make themselves available for the All-Star Game. Custom has it, however, that if you play for your team the game before the break, you are expected to play in the All-Star Game. When Kobe Bryant had a problem with his pinkie in 2008, he tried to get out of playing in the All-Star Game, but it was strongly suggested that he play. He did so, for three minutes.
D'Antoni said the team hasn't even considered holding out Stoudemire Wednesday in order to give him an extended rest.
"No. No. Wednesday's a big game for us," D'Antoni said. "He needs to play. Unless he's hurt . . . We've got to attack each game as well as we can and try to get as many wins as we can."
The Knicks are sixth in the East. They lead the 76ers by 11/2 games, the Pacers by 21/2 and the ninth-place Bobcats by four.
Stoudemire isn't the only Knick who is banged up. Danilo Gallinari sat out practice with a sore left knee, but D'Antoni expects him back on the court Tuesday. Despite a bruised left knuckle, Raymond Felton practiced Monday. He has been credited with rallying the team to a win without Stoudemire on Saturday. "We're fighting to stay in the playoffs, we're fighting to stay in position," Felton said. "There's a lot of teams trying to come to our spot."
