BOSTON (AP)—Chauncey Billups(notes) is expected to miss the second game of the New York Knicks’ playoff series against the Boston Celtics because of a left leg injury.

Coach Mike D’Antoni said Monday the starting point guard was “very questionable” for Tuesday night’s game in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series.

Billups was hurt in the final minute of the Knicks’ 87-85 loss Sunday night. He was replaced by Anthony Carter(notes) with 51 seconds left and the game tied at 82. He said doctors told him he had strained his left knee or thigh muscle.

If Billups is sidelined, Toney Douglas(notes) is expected to start in his place.

Blessing in disguise I think. We'll probably see more of Carter and Douglas in our backcourt, and I think that has resulted in some efficient offensive possessions this year. Lots of ball movement. I like Chauncey but I think sometimes he's too apt to play his own game. This is a big test for Toney. If he plays well at PG this series he has a good chance of winning that job next year.

AnubisADL wrote:Dude is Tracy McGrady status at this point.

Word. He seems to be an injury waiting to happen every time he steps on the wood. And I have noticed him grimace almost every time he gets bumped or falls down. He's old and weary, just playing out his contract. If we pick up his option, it should ONLY be for the purposes of trading the expiring deal for better players.

Game 2 has all the makings of blowout city

Bonn1997 wrote:Billups is much better than TD and now TD's backup minutes go to Carter. There's no way this is a blessing in disguise.

I have to agree with Bonn, with one caveat. Sometimes Toney gets on a hot shooting streak, and if he does that tomorrow, it could bode well for us.

Moonangie wrote:

Bonn1997 wrote:Billups is much better than TD and now TD's backup minutes go to Carter. There's no way this is a blessing in disguise.

I have to agree with Bonn, with one caveat. Sometimes Toney gets on a hot shooting streak, and if he does that tomorrow, it could bode well for us.

a hot streak from any player bodes well for us.

melo comes to mind. a 50% shooting night from him would bode well.

Knicksfan wrote:I will tell you this, last night I missed Chauncey Billups even when Chauncey Billups was on the game. "Mr. Big Shot" played as out-of-control and shot-happy as he has in other terrible showings for us. To me he looked the least playoff-ready, and coming from a Finals MVP that is shocking. In the second half he shot prematurely in MANY possessions and failed to make good offensive decisions against a tight Celtics' D.

I can understand VDesai when he considers this could be a blessing in disguise because even when Douglas isn't the best PG to run the offense, he is capable of it and providing better defense and more speed. Since he isn't in Billups' stature yet, he won't be allowed the reckless play Billups posed last night, so only that may make us have better possesions. Also, who says the offense has to run through Duglass, when we have seen Melo play extremely good as a point-forward.

Whatever this is, I know what its not, and that is a reason to expect less from us. Douglass will step up, and we still have enough to beat the Celtics and tomorrow night is a real must win for us.

Billups played like someone who already has a ring and doesn't care if he gets another one. Carter was missing his shots but they were good looks that rimmed out. Unless things change dramatically, I hope this is Billups's only season in NY. I didn't expect vintage Billups this season but I didn't expect vintage Marbury either.

orangeblobman wrote:

BlueSeats wrote:Once again Billups was playing as if Toney Douglas might be a good mentor for him.

this is classic.

you are good, blueseats, better than i think of you regularly.

the playoffs brings good intelligence out of you.

Blueseats has a winning mind.