ATLANTA — The Knicks’ big-man situation took another turn for the worse last night amid their giddy 10-game winning streak.
Kenyon Martin came up with a sore right knee and was rested for the final 10 minutes of the Knicks’ 95-82 victory over the Hawks Wednesday night, while center Tyson Chandler had his second straight ineffective performance, clutching his neck area on a couple of occasions.
Afterward, Chandler wouldn’t say if he would play Friday against the Bucks, suggesting the big picture of being 100 percent for the playoffs is an issue that will be discussed.
Martin, meanwhile, also gave no assurance he is ready for Friday either. Martin, who has been terrific filling in for Chandler, has had microfracture surgeries on both knees. Already expected out for the regular season are Amar’e Stoudemire, Kurt Thomas and Rasheed Wallace.
“It got the best of me today,’’ said Martin, who signed in late February after sitting out the season. “I’ll have a day off, get treatment and see how it goes. I got thrown into the fire, it’s like training camp and preseason. But I’m a warrior.’’
Chandler admitted he may not be mobile enough to help right now. He played 23:31, scored two points and had four rebounds. On Tuesday in Miami, he had one point in his return from a 10-game absence.
“It’s tough trying to look up at the ball for rebounds or lobs,’’ Chandler said. “It’s thrown my timing off. I’m just a little stiff right now. I’m not as mobile. I’m not there. I’m not myself moving around like I normally would.’’
Regarding his future, Chandler said, “I’ll talk to them. Ultimately I want to do what’s best for the team. Ultimately I want to be 100 percent for the playoffs.’’
Woodson said he doesn’t plan to rest guys before the playoffs unless they come to him.
“If we got key guys who demand that, I got to be open-minded,’’ he said. “If they don’t demand it, they’re going to play. Every game is important. We want to stay atop our division.’’
* Wallace had his left boot removed a few days ago, at the four-week mark of his foot surgery and he is also off crutches. By the timetable, Wallace could be back in a month and is traveling with the team.