Knicks' Anthony out with sprained ankle against Cavaliers

CLEVELAND (AP) New York forward Carmelo Anthony sat out the Knicks' game Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of a sprained right ankle.

Anthony was injured in the third quarter Monday night in a loss to Orlando. He scored 23 points but took only two shots in the fourth quarter.

Anthony, who is averaging 21.8 points in 28 games, will miss his second game this season. He didn't play Nov. 29 because of strep throat.

Anthony missed most of practice Tuesday, but went through the team's shoot-around Wednesday morning. Coach Derek Fisher announced about 90 minutes before the game that that the eight-time All-Star would sit out.

Fisher expects Anthony to play Saturday at Atlanta when the Knicks begin a stretch of three games in four nights. Fisher hopes not playing Anthony against the Cavaliers will help his superstar get through the upcoming stretch.

''With the three-in-four days coming up, this is the best chance to get him that rest,'' Fisher said.

New York plays at Boston on Sunday and hosts Detroit on Tuesday.

Lance Thomas will start in Anthony's place. Backup forward Kyle O'Quinn also is out with a sprained right ankle.

Anthony will miss another chance to play long-time rival LeBron James and the Cavaliers, who have battled injuries all season but are finally close to having a healthy roster.

Kyrie Irving made his season debut Sunday after suffering a fractured left kneecap in Game 1 of the Finals last season. Irving scored 12 points in 17 minutes against Philadelphia. Iman Shumpert, who has been limited to three games because of wrist and groin injuries, also returned Sunday.

The Cavaliers acquired Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the Knicks in January.