Will Carmelo Anthony return to the court this week after spraining his ankle Monday in the Knicks' 103-98 win over Orlando?

Though Knicks coach Mike Woodson remained optimistic about Anthony's injury on Monday, saying, "Melo's a tough kid," the injury still got the better of the athlete. The sprain caused the Knicks forward to sit out of his team's game against Okahoma City Thunders on Christmas Day. Thunder rolled to a 123-94 victory Wednesday over the New Yorkers. The 29-point victory was the largest for a road team on Christmas.

Shorthanded without the small forward, Woodson said of Anthony's absence in the game, "He was really missed because he's a big part of what we do."

Wednesday's game marked the first time Anthony sat out this season, Boston Globe reported. Shooting guard J.R. Smith became the Knicks' go-to scorer with Anthony sidelined. He scored 20 points, but was just 8-for-22 from the field. "He is a big piece to the puzzle,'' Smith said. "He is the piece to the puzzle, so it is tough." It has yet to be confirmed whether or not Anthony will be able to play against the Raptors on Friday at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks then play the Atlantic Division leaders again the next night in Toronto.

"I don't know, I really don't," Woodson said in regard to Anthony's status following Wednesday's defeat. "We'll assess it (on Thursday) before practice and see where we are."

Watch a video from Monday's game showing Anthony getting injured.

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Carmelo Anthony, Knicks