National Basketball Association

Knicks' Anthony, Hornets' Walker sitting out

Published Jan. 24, 2015 7:00 p.m. ET

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher said Carmelo Anthony and Jose Calderon will sit out Saturday night against the Charlotte Hornets.

Kemba Walker is out for the Hornets.

Anthony has missed time recently with a knee injury, and Fisher didn't want to play his star small forward on a back-to-back nights. Anthony's injury is officially listed as ''recovery'' on the report distributed before the game.

Anthony is averaging 24.1 points and 6.7 rebounds this season for the Knicks (8-36).

Calderon bruised his knee in Friday's win against Orlando.

Walker missed two games recently with a cyst on his left knee, but then returned to play the last two games for the Hornets. However, the knee is continuing to give the point guard problems and the decision was made to keep him out with five games in the next eight days.

Lance Thomas and Tim Hardaway Jr. will start for the Knicks.

''I think him coming off of the two weeks (being out) and only being a week from being back from that stretch, I thought it was best for now,'' Fisher said.

Fisher said there is no concrete plan with Anthony moving forward.

''I am hopeful through this weekend and when we have a back-to-back (next week), that he'll be in there,'' Fisher said.

Walker is averaging a team-high 18.9 points and 5.2 assists per game for the Hornets this season and is a player they cannot afford to lose as they look to make a run at the playoffs.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford said Walker ''just doesn't feel good.''

Brian Roberts will start at point guard against the Knicks.

''This is game 45 and we'll play five games in eight days,'' Clifford said. ''With guys coming off of injuries and trying to get the lineups rights, this will be a good stretch for us.''