NBA

Knicks don’t think Anthony’s injury is serious

PHOENIX — Carmelo Anthony’s health and the Lakers don’t mix.

Anthony missed last night’s thriller with a hyperextended knee he suffered on Christmas Day when Marcus Camby fell on his leg after the Knicks center tripped when driving to the bucket.

Woodson said no tests are scheduled for Anthony, indicating it’s not a major injury but it’s unclear his status for Sacramento tomorrow night.

“Anytime you lose your best player — I don’t know how long he’s going to be out — there is a concern,’’ said coach Mike Woodson.

Anthony scored 34 points against the Lakers but took just three shots in the fourth quarter, perhaps limited by the knee. He tweaked his joint in the second quarter after Camby’s accident. Anthony hopped around in pain for nearly a minute but stayed in the game.

Afterward, Anthony said he was “a little sore’’ but planned to play in Phoenix. Not quite.

“He slept on it, got up this morning and couldn’t do it,’’ Woodson said.

Anthony didn’t talk as he told a reporter, “I have nothing to say. I’m getting treatment.’’

He missed two games after spraining his ankle against the Lakers on Dec. 13 at the Garden when he was hammered by Dwight Howard on a drive.

The Knicks are 3-2 in games Anthony has missed.

* James White, the Italian leaguer who has played sparingly this season, made his first Knicks start in Anthony’s absence over rising rookie Chris Copeland.

.White mostly has been valuable for his defensive stands on the perimeter, playing well against LeBron James in Miami. White, nicknamed “Flight White’’ because of his leaping ability, played 18 minutes and was 1 of 3 for 2 points. He has been nominated for the Slam-Dunk competition.

“I think that’s the good thing about our team,’’ White said. “We have 15 guys who can all play. Guys come in and fill spots when guys are out. The Miami game we had Carmelo out and guys stepped up. It’s kind of difficult to get in flow of the game [with erratic minutes]. But I got to do the little things first.’’

White started twice before in his career when he played with San Antonio in 2006-007.

Woodson chose White over Copeland, the rookie who came off the bench last night and scored 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

* Woodson seconded Amar’e Stoudemire’s prediction of Jan. 1 return.

“That is a possibility,’’ Woodson said. “We’ll practice when we get home for two days, get him back in the mix. If everything goes well, he’ll play Jan. 1.’’