Knicks' Carmelo Anthony out against Magic due to left knee soreness

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthonysat out Monday night's 113-105 win over the Orlando Magicbecause of left knee soreness.

Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek told reporters in Orlando that Anthony suffered the injury on Sunday against the Warriors while attempting to block a shot. New York was playing the second game of a back-to-back on Monday, so Anthony's absence could also be related to a desire to rest and recover.

Anthony, 32, had started 62 of the Knicks' 63 games this season, averaging 23 points and six rebounds per game.The Knicks had been 0-11 in games Anthony had missed due to injury since the start of the 2015-16 season.

The club entered play Monday 5 games behind the Detroit Pistons, who occupy the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The team remains committed to pursuing a playoff spot, despite the long odds.