Despite losing their two big men, there was a silver lining for the Knicks. Forced to open up the offense, New York responded with a 98-95 victory in a crucial Game 3 against Indiana. The Pacers lead the best-of-7 series 2-1.

Camby slipped on the floor as he was driving to the basket. He did not return in Game 3, and was on his way to Beth Israel hospital for an MRI by halftime. The MRI was negative, and the Knicks say Camby is day-to-day.

Camby had missed 17 games earlier in the season with knee problems.

Ewing is listed as day to day after coming down with acute peroneal tendinitis in his right foot in Game 2. The future Hall of Fame center sustained the injury early in Game 2 on a seemingly harmless cut to the basket.

Ewing's absence in Game 3 was hardly a surprise.

"We're planning as if he won't be able to play," Van Gundy told reporters roughly 90 minutes before the opening tip.

When Ewing was lost for the season in the Conference Finals against the Pacers a year ago, it was Camby who stepped up in his place. So much so that Larry Bird called him the MVP of that series.

Of consolation to the Knicks, the news is not as bad as it was last year.

"I don't have any expectations," Van Gundy said. "Pat will play when he feels he can play."

Ewing said Friday that he would play once the pain becomes "bearable."

Bearable or not, there seems little doubt this is an injury that will linger the rest of the playoffs for the 37-year-old Ewing, who has battled all kinds of physical obstacles in his 15-year career.

Ewing was a major factor in the Knicks rallying back from a 3-2 second round deficit against the Heat. He grabbed 18 rebounds in Game 6, helping the Knicks overcome an 18-point first half deficit.

In Game 7, he scored the winning basket, driving by Alonzo Mourning for a powerful dunk.

"Losing the guy who has been our most effective player over the last four or five games hurts," Van Gundy said. "But it's not about just one individual. It's a whole team. What can we do? Can we guard the ball better? Rebound? How can we score better in the fourth quarter? Finish shots? Whatever it may be."

Without their two tallest players, the Knicks -- down 2-1 in the series -- will be forced to play a more uptempo style to highlight their two scorers, Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell. Sprewell scored 32 points in Saturday's big win.