Woodson receives boost with news Chandler is nearing a return.
New York Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire has insisted that he is not injured despite coach Mike Woodson’s claim that he will be “out a while.”
The 31-year-old conceded that he won’t make the trip to Milwaukee, but as opposed to Woodson’s reasoning that his knee has swollen up, he insists that it is purely because of playing in five games last week and six in nine days.
Stoudemire underwent surgery to repair on-going troubles with his knee in the off-season and has begun to show some good form with the Knicks looking to avoid seeing him suffer any setbacks.
However, with Woodson under intense pressure after their disappointing start to the season, this latest situation and misunderstanding will do little to ease the tension surrounding the team.
Fans, IM NOT INJURED, just want u to know I'm ONLY stay'n bk bc of 6 games n 9 days w/ bk2bks! Body & Knees feel great! #Knicks #STAT
— Amar'e Stoudemire (@Amareisreal) December 17, 2013
Meanwhile, there is some good news for the Knicks coach as center Tyson Chandler went through 3-on-3 contact during practice on Tuesday as he steps up his recovery from a broken fibula.
The medical staff is expected to make a decision on Wednesday as to whether he can feature against the Bucks, but with the Knicks at 7-17 for the season, they will be delighted to have their defensive anchor back in the coming days.
“Feeling good out there,” Chandler said after practice. “Now I’ll sleep on it and talk to Coach tomorrow, go from there. We’ll see how I feel in the morning. I was pretty confident out there moving around with the guys and banging, really not having any setbacks.”
However, the mixed news continued for Woodson this week as it was confirmed that point guard Pablo Prigioni will miss at least the new two weeks with a hairline fracture of his toe, leaving the Knicks short of back-court options as Raymond Felton is also sidelined.
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