New York Knicks: Injury Report for Amar'e Stoudemire, Chauncey Billups and More

It is "grin and bear it" time.

The 2011 NBA Playoffs are off and running with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics providing a couple of electrifying games. We have yet to see the full compliment of players for both sides take the floor.

Chauncey Billups has been sidelined with a knee injury. Amare Stoudemire had to leave Game 2 in the first half with back spasms. And the Celtics have been short one O'Neal. Shaq has been out since the start of the playoffs with a calf injury.

This all-important first-round series demands top-tier talent. How close are we to getting the full cast of characters for game three?

Here is the latest on the injured players.

Stoudemire is still very much in pain. The Knicks center left Tuesday's game with some debilitating back spasms.

Marc Berman of the New York Post writes Stoudemire will be at the game, though he just might not be in any shape to play. The staff will play this one by ear.

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One source said Stoudemire was “definitely hurting"...The plan is for Stoudemire to arrive for today’s morning shootaround in Westchester and do strength and agility tests in the pool. One source thinks the Stoudemire situation could be a “game-time decision.” He officially is listed as day to day.

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It sounds like Stoudemire may try to give it a go. I am not sure you are getting the full player even if he does decide to suit up.

The Knicks are in bad shape on the depth chart with their starting point guard, Billups, suffering from a knee injury. Soreness kept the clutch leader from playing in Game 2.

Billups has a strained ligament in his right knee. That injury may in fact keep him from Game 3 duties as well. He told the New York Post the following.

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It’s sore. [Wednesday’s cortisone shot] made it probably a little sorer, more sore [than yesterday]. But that was to be expected. Hopefully, in the best-case scenario, it’ll calm down [today].

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While Billups is hopeful, his head coach has a darker outlook on the issue. Mark Hale of the New York Post writes.

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Mike D’Antoni said he is “less optimistic” about Billups playing tonight than he is Amar’e Stoudemire, who is dealing with back woes.

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I have my serious reservations about Stoudemire being able to lace up his shoes, let alone carry the team for an entire basketball game.

That makes it very doubtful we see Billups tonight at Madison Square Garden.

The Boston Celtics are not without their fair share of injury news, as Shaquille O'Neal has been out with a calf injury. It was that news that gave the Knicks hope of commanding the low post for the majority of this series.

O'Neal has been itching to play. At least he will be in the correct city for tonight's game. A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN has some insight into the matter. He tweeted the following on Thursday.

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#Celtics team official confirmed that Shaq has left for New York with the team. Story on #CSNNE.com coming up shortly.

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My guess is that Shaq will be ready to suit up if need be for the Celtics, still holding a 2-0 series lead. If need be, I expect him to give the calf a go.

Boston may gamble that the Celtics pull off the victory with two of New York's big three potentially riding the pine. A three games to none advantage would give Shaq much more time to mend.

The Celtics clearly have the upper hand going into Friday night. That is when the battered and hobbled New York Knicks take on the Boston Celtics for Game 3.