Carmelo Anthony Injury: Updates on Knicks Star's Ankle and Return

New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony is dealing with a sprained ankle sustained Dec. 21 but is set to return to the court after missing the team's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 23.

Continue for updates.

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Fisher Comments on Anthony's Status

Saturday, Dec. 26 

Head coach Derek Fisher said Anthony is expected to play against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.

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Carmelo Comments on Injury

Thursday, Dec. 24

"I don't think it will linger that much," said Anthony, per Berman.

"I felt if I went out there [versus the Cavaliers], I wouldn't have been myself, trying to do too much and that would've prolonged the situation. I'd rather take care of it right now and use the next couple of days to get rest and hopefully be ready for Atlanta [on Dec. 26]."

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How Anthony Injury Impacts Knicks' Outlook

Anthony, 31, dealt with injuries during the 2014-15 season, playing just 40 games, so this latest issue obviously raises concerns that the star forward is becoming even more injury-prone late in his career.

Anthony has averaged over 25 points and six rebounds for his career and is New York's centerpiece. 

While the team still has a solid cast of supporting characters, led by rookie star Kristaps Porzingis, guards Arron Afflalo and Jose Calderon and center Robin Lopez, the Knicks aren't capable of competing for a postseason berth without Anthony.

Even with a healthy Anthony in the lineup, the Knicks had an outside shot at a lower playoff seed at best, but without him, those chances are virtually nonexistent.

Porzingis will have to be the team's go-to option on offense. The rookie has surprised many with his quick transition to the NBA game, but filling Anthony's shoes is a pretty tall task.