SYRACUSE — Not only is Amar’e Stoudemire missing the Nov. 1 season opener against the Nets, Knicks coach Mike Woodson is not sure Marcus Camby will suit up in Brooklyn either.
The Knicks’ preseason continues to deteriorate into a spate of injuries — not entirely unexpected considering the club’s age. Camby, out since training camp’s fourth day because of a calf strain, was expected to return to practice today following the Knicks’ 0-3 preseason trip that ended with last night’s 98-90 loss to the 76ers. But Woodson does not expect Camby today.
Asked if Camby will be back for the opener, Woodson said, “Don’t know. That I don’t know.’’
If Camby manages to suit up, he will have missed the entire preseason schedule, which that concludes tomorrow against the Nets at Nassau Coliseum.
Camby, 38, made the road trip to be with teammates and continue treatment. He said last week he expected to play the season opener.
“With the Marcus injury, we’re going to take it slow,’’ Woodson said. “This thing can become a nagging problem the rest of the season.’’
Stoudemire will miss two to three weeks, possibly the season’s first five games, with a ruptured cyst behind his left knee.
“We have enough talent on the team we can get by until Amar’e gets back,’’ Woodson said. “Thank God it’s exhibition season and not the regular season.’’
* Ronnie Brewer (left knee surgery) made his Knicks debut as starting small forward in the small lineup. He played 15:39 and was 0-for-2 with four rebounds and three assists. Brewer said he has to get into game shape.
“He’s rusty,’’ Woodson said. “His stat line wasn’t bad for a guy who’s been sitting.’’
* The saga of Rasheed Wallace, signed to a non-guaranteed contract, will get more interesting today. Woodson said Wallace may practice for first time, but is not ready to scrimmage. Wallace will have missed the entire six-game preseason.
“We have to get him on the floor getting him up and down before he starts scrimmaging,’’ Woodson said.
The mystery regarding J.R. Smith’s Achilles could be solved today as well. Smith missed the trip with a sore Achilles that forced him into a walking boot. The Knicks still are calling it a sore ankle, but an Achilles injury has the potential to become chronic. Smith has played just one preseason game.