Knicks growing concerned about Carmelo Anthony's back issues

The All-Star forward isn't expected to play in New York's next two games and could become a question mark for the team.

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony will be sidelined indefinitely due to ongoing back issues, reports Marc Berman of the New York Post. The team doesn't consider the injury serious but is growing worried that it could impact the All-Star for the rest of the season.

"He’s getting some rest,’’ coach Derek Fisher said. "Trying to do what he can to get better. I don’t know if we’ll know enough to really diagnose where he is [physically] or where he’s headed for another day or so.

Anthony isn't expected to play Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks or Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The rest should allow 'Melo to return to the lineup fairly soon, but uncertainty still looms given the nature of the injury. The Knicks star looked to be in noticeable pain during Monday's game against the Houston Rockets.

Any missed time from Anthony is a big issue for New York, which depends on the forward to do much of the heavy lifting on the offensive end of the floor. The 30-year-old has averaged 23.2 points on 48 percent shooting in 15 games with the team this season. While he's not expected to be out long, the growing concern will be a big factor for the Knicks over the next few months given the huge long-term commitment to 'Melo.

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