National Basketball Association

Chandler might sit out Game 1 with flu

Published Apr. 27, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Whether it was playoff gamesmanship or not, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said there was "a strong possibility" center Tyson Chandler could sit out Saturday's Game 1 vs. the Heat with the flu.

Chandler was back at the team's hotel with the flu and fever and missed Friday's practice ahead of the first-round playoff series. Chandler had already sat out Thursday night's game vs. Charlotte and stayed back at the hotel.

Not having Chandler would be a devastating blow and it would seem difficult to imagine him not suiting up. But having him at less than 100 percent is a very likely scenario.

"We're isolating him a bit from his teammates, so it doesn't spread amongst the players," Woodson said. "We'll know more tomorrow. He didn't eat much. We're trying to keep fluids in him."

Chandler, a key to Dallas beating Miami in the NBA Finals last June, missed three games this season and the Knicks gave up 112, 118 and 119 points.

He is a favorite to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year with LeBron James as his toughest competitor.