NBA

D’Antoni test-drives Lin-Baron backcourt in scrimmages

Knicks point guards Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis are forming a tight bond. So tight that coach Mike D’Antoni had them sharing the backcourt together with the first unit during yesterday’s scrimmages.

D’Antoni has called Lin and Davis a potential “two-headed monster,’’ but his experimenting yesterday raised eyebrows, especially amid rumblings Davis could supplant Lin as starting point guard in April.

The Knicks front office probably would not want to see Lin lose his starting job because he has become a marketing cash cow for the organization on the sale of Linsanity shirts alone.

If Davis, who has played just four games after sitting out nearly two months because of a herniated disk, progresses to a very high level, the two-time All-Star could squeeze into the starting lineup at the expense of shooting guard Landry Fields with Lin playing off the ball.

For now, D’Antoni said he could pair Lin and Davis for set minutes or even close a game that way.

“You have more playmaking — we’ll see if that’s good or not,’’ D’Antoni said. “They can play together because Baron can guard bigger guards. But somebody’s not playing. You have to be really good together.’’

The Knicks’ quasi-training camp concludes today with their fifth practice in six days (Monday’s session was termed “voluntary’’ because of league rules). The Knicks visit the Celtics tomorrow.

“It would be fun, I’d love to play minutes out there with Jeremy,’’ said Davis, who had eight assists in 15 minutes in Wednesday’s 120-103 over the Cavaliers, a signal he is ready to rise to prior form. “We’re both comfortable with each other on the floor. He’s a great player who makes plays, and I make plays. So It makes it easier for both of us as two playmakers. You put [Carmelo Anthony] in the situation and Landry and you got four guys who can make plays off the dribble and out of the pick-and-roll.’’

Today marks the four-week anniversary of Lin’s sensational breakout game against the Nets that triggered a seven-game winning streak, overhauled the season and turned him into a recognizable name around the globe. Since Lin began playing starter’s minutes, the Knicks are 10-3.

But despite Lin’s success and the appeal of the Linderella story, it wasn’t enough to beat out LeBron James last night for Eastern Conference Player of the Month for February. No Knick has won the monthly award since Patrick Ewing in 1995.

“I’m not worried about that,’’ Lin said. “The Celtics aren’t worried about that. If anything, it’s going to motivate other teams to come at me harder. I’m just trying to get ready. If I let that stuff affect me, I’m going to take my foot off the gas. And I got to make sure I don’t do that.’’

As for playing alongside Davis, Lin said it was a refreshing change.

“Playing off the ball a little bit, sort of what I played in college,’’ the Harvard graduate said. “I’m comfortable doing it and don’t have all the ballhandling responsibilities.

“Watching [Baron] play, he doesn’t have the same burst he used to have but he’s still effective,’’ Lin added. “The pace and poise he plays with is something that’s good for me. Because sometimes I just like to go.’’

There have been a multitude of thrills for Lin during these four weeks — including hearing President Obama is on his bandwagon — but being teammates with Davis, a former hero, is up there.

Davis in turn said he has respect for Lin’s handling of his sudden global fame, which landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated for two straight weeks.

“He’s been the same person,’’ Davis said. “He respects the game and has an appreciation for the game. He didn’t work this hard to get all these accolades to start looking for endorsements. He’s playing because he loves this game and wants to get better at this game. My hat’s off to him for all the Linsanity and media hype going on, he’ s remained the same person and stayed focused throughout the process and gained confidence in the process.’’