Not surprisingly, Tyson Chandler sat out the Knicks game against the Portland Trail Blazers last night.  He suffered a knee contusion on Wednesday night and is still nursing that injury.  The injury on Wednesday looked far more severe than a contusion, but fortunately diagnostics came back negative.

ESPN New York said Chandler was originally listed as probable for Thursdays game, but that may have been a miscommunication between the media and head coach Mike Woodson.  Woodson later clarified and said the decision to play is in Chandler's hands.  If he felt ready, he could have gone out there last night.


Chandler has been every bit as important to the Knicks defense as Carmelo Anthony has been to its offense.  He can alter shots, keep players from entering the paint, and simply change the outcome of a game with his defensive presence.  And he can score.

So far this season, Chandler is averaging 10.7 points per game and 11.0 rebounds per game.  Those rebounds can mean the difference between a win and a loss.  One key rebound loss is all it might take.  He will be someone the Knicks need back soon.
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