Carmelo is pumped to return to Knicks

NEW YORK — Carmelo Anthony is antsy to return to action and join in the Knicks' fun, but he's uncertain exactly when that will happen.

Though coach Mike D'Antoni wouldn't rule out Anthony for Friday's game against New Orleans at the Garden, Anthony said on WFAN-AM that he's taking it day by day.

"I don't really want to put a timetable on it. I'm getting better; that's a plus," Anthony said on the radio station Wednesday afternoon.

Anthony's strained right groin is the primary issue, though he's also dealt with wrist and ankle problems.

With point guard Jeremy Lin causing a sensation in leading the Knicks on a six-game winning streak entering Wednesday night against Sacramento, Anthony said, "I'm shaking in my seat right now. I can't wait to get back out there."

And when he does get back in the lineup, Anthony understands what the new story will be: How will he adapt to Lin running the show?

"I know what I bring to the game," Anthony said. "Will I have to make adjustments? Yeah. Maybe my adjustment is to go back to my natural position and not trying to be a point guard.

"I'll figure that out. I'm a very smart basketball player."

Lin also said on the same program that he was not concerned about the thoughts of those who wonder if the star forward might infringe on the success the Knicks have had since Lin's ascension.

ROSE EXPECTED TO MISS ANOTHER GAME: Derrick Rose followed through with the plan he revealed before Tuesday night's game, visiting the same back specialist who assessed and treated him Monday.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said the specialist is aiding Rose's rehabilitation efforts as Rose battles lower back spasms that have sidelined him for three straight games. It would be a mild surprise if Rose plays Thursday night against the Celtics.

"He's still day-to-day," Thibodeau said. "He's still not quite ready. We'll see where he is. Each day he has gotten better. So we're encouraged by that."

NETS HONOR WHITNEY WITH ANTHEM: The New Jersey Nets honored the late Whitney Houston by playing her rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" from the 1991 Super Bowl before their game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.