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- Carmelo Anthony is expected to sit out the game after spraining his left ankle in Thursday’s win over the Lakers. He will likely return for Monday’s game against former Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets. Anthony is officially listed as questionable for the Cavaliers. Reagrding Anthony’s return coach Mike Woodson said, “I don’t know yet. He’s just day to day. He’s just getting treatment. We’ll see where he is come Monday.”
- In Anthony’s absence the Knicks’ starters are point guard Raymond Felton, shooting guard Jason Kidd, small forward Ronnie Brewer, power forward Chris Copeland and center Tyson Chandler. The Knicks are seeking to improve to a perfect 10-0 this season at Madison Square Garden. They are 20-1 at home under Woodson.
- This will be the first career start for 28 year old rookie Chris Copeland.
- Cleveland point guard Kyrie Irving will wear a facemask after breaking his jaw in Friday night’s loss to Milwaukee. Irving was injured when he was knocked down in the first quarter by Bucks forward forward Luc Mbah a Moute, who was called for a foul. Irving’s face slammed into the floor, and he writhed in pain for several minutes before getting up and making two free throws. He stayed in the game. The Cavaliers’ starters are Irving, shooting guard C.J. Miles, small forward Alonzo Gee, power forward Tristan Thompson, and center Anderson Varejao.
- The Cavaliers are are 2-8 in their last 10 games and 3-17 in their last 20 games.
- Tyson Chandler is leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 70 percent. The next best is JaVale McGee’s 59 percent.
- Cavaliers shooting guard Dion Waiters (left ankle sprain) has been cleared to resume practicing, but is inactive as coach Byron Scott said Friday that he is aiming for him to play Tuesday against Toronto.
- Brazilian born Anderson Varejao is leading the NBA in rebounding at 14.9 rebounds/game.
– Dan Kelly & Adam Zagoria
Too bad Melo isn’t playing the Bulls