Amare Stoudemire will be active for the Knicks in Game 3 against the Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Coach Mike D'Antoni says he's optimistic his star power forward will take the court despite the back spasms that derailed him Tuesday in Game 2.
Chauncey Billups won't be so lucky. He's slated to miss a second consecutive game with a strained left knee. He'll be inactive Friday, and his status for Sunday is still up in the air.
Toney Douglas gets the start again in Billups' place. He's averaged 11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game so far in this series.
Meanwhile, Knicks center Ronny Turiaf has battled knee soreness during this series and he may see his minutes reduced Friday. Former Celtic Shelden Williams is expected to start in his place.
Here's a tentative lineup card for C's-Knicks, assuming Stoudemire plays:
Celtics
Rajon Rondo, PG
Ray Allen, SG
Paul Pierce, SF
Kevin Garnett, PF
Jermaine O'Neal, C
Knicks
Toney Douglas, PG
Landry Fields, SG
Carmelo Anthony, SF
Amare Stoudemire, PF
Shelden Williams, C
