NBA Playoffs 2012: Tyson Chandler Reportedly Ready to Start Game 2

After a subpar defensive performance in Game 1, Tyson Chandler has been itching to get back on the floor and help his team split their first two road games in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against Miami.

Unfortunately, his drive has been heavily impeded by a nagging virus that kept him from practicing on Sunday. 

Earlier this morning, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports tweeted that Chandler's fever appears to be down and he feels much better than he did yesterday. 

There have been numerous reports questioning whether Chandler would be ready to start Game 2, but it appears as though he's battled through the sickness and is poised to start tonight. This will, of course, come as a huge relief to Coach Woodson and the Knicks, as they are already handicapped defensively.

Jared Jeffries has been given limited minutes due to injury and the team lost Iman Shumpert for the remainder of the season after he tore some ligaments in his knee during Game 1.

A strong performance by Chandler tonight will go a long way in preserving and hopefully extending this series for the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony is under a great deal of pressure to perform miracles on both ends of the court. But unlike last year against the Celtics when he lost both Amar'e and his point guard, Chauncey Billups, he will at least have the luxury of relying on the anchor of his team's defense when LeBron drives through the middle.

The team gives up nearly 15 additional points per game without Chandler playing—needles to say, he's vital to their success.