The New York Knicks (18-6) will host the Brooklyn Nets (13-11) in a cross-town NBA matchup on Wednesday night.  The Knicks are coming off their first home loss of the season and will look to bounce back when they play the Nets.

Brooklyn is certainly hoping that Carmelo Anthony will be out of action for the game, as he's continued to dominate them on the court this season.  Anthony, who has been sidelined the previous two games with a sprained left ankle, stated that he's in the process of healing.

"It's not sprained or anything right now, it's just really badly bruised.  It's about getting the inflammation out, and there's still some inflammation in there,"  Anthony told ESPN.

While the prospect of playing Anthony is clearly tempting, the Knicks want to be absolutely certain that he's at 100 percent.  The star is averaging 40.0 points and 9.0 boards in two games versus the Nets this season.

"Of course I want to play.  But if I'm not able to go out there and be the player that I can be and help my team then I'm not going to step foot out there on the court," Anthony added.

Since the two teams last met in November, New York has widened the first-place gap to a five-game division lead over Brooklyn.

"You guys want to call it a rivalry, so be it.  You know I look at it is two good teams this year that are battling it out to figure out who's going to stay at the top of this division and win it.  I'm pulling for the Knicks," coach Mike Woodson stated.

CLICK HERE to watch the New York Knicks face off against the Brooklyn Nets via free live stream.  Coverage of the game is set to begin at 7 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Tags: NBA Basketball