By MATT FALKENBURY

Special to ZAGSBLOG

GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- The next several days will be critical for the Knicks, but whether or not both Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony will be able to return to the court on New Year's Day against the Portland Trail Blazers remains to be seen.

For the first time since having surgery on his left knee before the season started, Stoudemire practiced with the Knicks in the hopes that he could be ready for Tuesday.