Carmelo Anthony Injury: Knicks Forward Leaves Game With Sprained Right Ankle

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on January 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Carmelo Anthony has left and will return to the Knicks-Grizzlies game with a right ankle sprain, the team announced.

An uncomfortably shaky start for the New York Knicks could get a lot worse in a hurry after All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony left the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter after he rolled his ankle. It was announced minutes later that he had a sprained right ankle and would not return to the game. It was also announced that Anthony would be undergoing X-rays in the locker room.

Anthony had previously injured what appeared to be his left arm or wrist earlier in the game, but he stayed in and sank two long jump shots to assuage any concerns that it would affect his play. He could not, apparently, play through his ankle injury. The injury was an ugly one; he stepped awkwardly scrambling for a loose ball and the ankle rolled all the way until it touched the ground.

'Melo is leading the Knicks in scoring with 26.6 points a game entering the Grizzlies match. He's also leading the team with 4.5 assists per game, which probably speaks more to the Knicks' problems at point guard than his passing ability. Regardless, the Knicks offense hasn't been terrific when Anthony's been on the floor, but it's been terrible without him in the game all season. This game has been no different, as the Knicks quickly went down by more than 20 without him.

For updates on Anthony's condition, visit Knicks blog Poasting and Toasting and SB Nation New York.