MIAMI — Whether it was playoff gamesmanship or not, Knicks coach Mike Woodson called it “a strong possibility’’ center Tyson Chandler will sit out today’s Game 1 versus the Heat with the flu. Nobody quite believes he won’t play, but the Knicks listed him as questionable.
Chandler was back at the hotel with a flu and fever, wearing a mask to prevent germs from spreading. He missed yesterday’s practice at American Airlines Arena. But Carmelo Anthony wasn’t buying he won’t play. Still, having him at less than 100 percent will be damaging.
“He’s sick right now — a little ill,’’ Anthony said. “He’ll be with me [today]. We don’t care about [yesterday]. As long as he’s with me [today], we’re fine.’’
Chandler sat out Thursday’s regular-season finale in Charlotte and stayed back at the hotel, but the Knicks never informed the media he was sick, just resting for the playoffs. Not having Chandler would be a devastating blow as he is a leading Defensive Player of the Year candidate and anchored the Dallas defense that knocked of the Heat in last June’s Finals.
“We’re isolating him a bit from his teammates, so it doesn’t spread amongst the players,’’ Woodson said. “We’ll know more [today]. [yesterday] he basically slept. He didn’t eat much. … We’re trying to keep fluids in him.’’
Chandler missed just three games this season in which the Knicks gave up 112, 118 and 119 points. Chandler and LeBron James appear front-runners for the defensive award and the Knicks center is getting plenty of votes for one of the three All-NBA Teams. (Ballots were due yesterday.)
“He’s a warrior,’’ J.R. Smith said. “He’ll battle. He’ll get through it.’’
Chandler is a good matchup against Miami because he is able to defend Udonis Haslem, who has no offensive skill and the ex-Maverick can roam on defense and shut down the middle.
Woodson said Jared Jeffries could start in Chandler’s place, though he missed the last five games with a chronic sore knee and is only able to give about 15 minutes. Woodson also said he could go small with Amar’e Stoudemire at center and Landry Fields back in the starting lineup. Their recent signee, Dan Gadzuric, wasn’t in great shape and Woodson is hesitant about using him.