The New York Daily News has reported that Knicks' coach Mike Woodson expects his team will likely be without All-Star forward Amar'e Stoudemire in their first round playoff series against their rivals the Boston Celtics.

"I think he's going to be out. That's my gut," Woodson said. "It's kind of nice to see him on the floor."

Stoudemire has been sidelined since early March while recovering from a right knee debridement procedure. He's had a previous debridement this season-on his left knee in October-and said that the recovery is similar. A debridement is a form of arthroscopic surgery that removes debris.

Meanwhile, the Knicks received good news about center Tyson Chandler, who says he's feeling the best he's ever felt as they head into the playoffs.

According to the News, Chandler, who missed the final six games of the regular season to a bulging disc injury in his neck, has declared himself "100%" healthy and ready to be the anchor in the middle in Game 1 against the Celtics.

"This is the best I've felt in a long time," Chandler said after practice Thursday in Greenburgh. "It actually was a blessing in disguise I was able to get that time off, because now I'll have fresh legs throughout the playoffs. I'm excited about this long, long run we're about to endure."

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