Updated: February 20, 2012, 6:41 PM ET
NEW YORK — Forward Carmelo Anthony will return to the floor on Monday for the New York Knicks after missing the past seven games with a strained right groin.
Tyson Chandler will also play in the Knicks’ home game against the New Jersey Nets. He injured his back and his wrists after a second-half fall in the Knicks’ win over the Mavericks on Sunday.
Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni also says Baron Davis will play, but Iman Shumpert will sit with a knee injury.
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In Anthony’s absence, the Knicks have gone 6-1. Jeremy Lin has led New York (16-16) to seven wins in his first eight starts. His first start was on Feb. 6 against Utah, the night Anthony suffered the groin injury.
Many people have wondered how Anthony will fit into the Knicks’ offense under Lin, who has become the talk of the NBA over the Knicks’ past nine games.
Anthony traditionally thrives in isolation situations. So far under Lin, the Knicks’ offense has been predicated on ball movement.
Anthony laughed off the notion that he’d have trouble fitting in with Lin when speaking to reporters last week.
“When I’m reading the stuff, it’s more funny than anything because at the end of the day I know what I bring to the game, I know what I bring to this team,” Anthony said. “My teammates know that. But to say, ‘How can I fit in?’ It’s easy; give him the ball and space out. I get back to doing what I know how to do best. So we’ll see.”
Anthony is averaging 22 points and six rebounds this season but is shooting 39 percent from the field.
Chandler is averaging 11.8 points and 9.7 rebounds for the Knicks, who have improved markedly on defense thanks to Chandler. The Knicks entered play on Monday ranked eighth in defensive efficiency, a measurement of points allowed per 100 possessions.
Ian Begley is a regular contributor to ESPNNewYork.com.
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