Carmelo Anthony playing Wednesday against the Nets

Carmelo Anthony is back.

After missing two games with a sprained left ankle, the Knicks forward will return for Wednesday's showdown against the Nets.

Anthony sprained the ankle when he fell awkwardly on it after a challenge at the rim from Dwight Howard last Thursday. Anthony stayed in the game to shoot two free throws but then checked out and went to the locker room, not returning to the game.

On the season, Anthony is averaging 27.9 points per game and has established himself as a legit MVP candidate. So obviously he's going to help against the rival Nets, who split with the Knicks in two meetings so far.

Without Melo, the Knicks are 2-2 this season, 1-1 in this most recent stretch.