Knicks' Anthony sits out against Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Carmelo Anthony sat out New York's game Wednesday night against San Antonio because of soreness in his left knee, and the Spurs were without Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard.

Anthony experienced soreness in the knee after playing 39 minutes Tuesday night in New Orleans. Anthony had 17 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn't enough to keep New York from suffering its ninth straight loss, 104-93 to the Pelicans.

Duncan was a game-time decision due to possible rest, San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said.

Leonard bruised his right hand late in the Spurs' 100-96 loss to Utah on Tuesday night. Parker has a mild strain of his left hamstring, but Popovich said the 32-year-old point guard should return soon. Ginobili and Duncan sat out for rest on the second night of a back-to-back.

Tiago Splitter returned to the Spurs' lineup after missing all but 10 minutes this season due to stiffness in his right calf. Splitter was set to play 8 to 12 minutes, his first action since Nov. 5 against Atlanta.