Carmelo Anthony returns for Knicks on Thursday
Basketball fans in London, England will be treated to a sight that fans in New York haven't seen since the calendar flipped to 2015: Carmelo Anthony in action.
The Knicks announced that Anthony - who's missed six straight games with a sore left knee that will likely require surgery - will play Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks at London's O2 Arena.
The Knicks have talked openly about the likelihood of the All-NBA small forward being shut down for the season, a possibility that gains more traction with every loss.
At 5-35, New York has the NBA's worst record and the franchise's worst-ever record through 40 games. They've also lost a franchise-record 15 consecutive games. They're 0-10 on the season when Anthony sits.
A mid-season shutdown remains a strong possibility, but Anthony has made clear throughout the whole injury saga that the game in London and the All-Star Game in New York are events he was determined to take part in.
He spent Wednesday morning at St. James Palace with Prince Harry for the Royal Foundation's Coach Core graduation ceremony, and called the experience "an honor" and "a beautiful moment."
Amar'e Stoudemire, who missed the Knicks' last nine games with a knee injury of his own, will also suit up Thursday.