Carmelo Anthony's absence could continue, questionable Friday

The New York Knicks may be tasked with snapping their 10-game losing streak without superstar Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony, who is dealing with soreness in his left knee that may ultimately require surgery, missed the team's Wednesday game and is listed as questionable for Friday's meeting with the Boston Celtics. 

Playing without Anthony on Wednesday, the Knicks were rolled by a San Antonio Spurs team resting its best four players. While the Knicks haven't been particularly good even with Anthony, they've been a flaming mess without him, getting outscored by 12.5 points per-100 possessions when he leaves the floor.

With the team stuck at 4-20 and already six games back of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks and Anthony find themselves with a tough decision to make. If the season at any point gets deemed a lost one, it would make sense to give Anthony an extended rest. But as long as there remains playoff hope, they'll want and need Anthony in the lineup.

In 21 games this season, Anthony is averaging 22.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists, all more or less in line with his career averages. If he can't go Friday, the banged-up J.R. Smith or the supposed rival of Anthony, Tim Hardaway Jr., would stand to start.