MVP candidate Carmelo Anthony, who missed two games with a hyper-extended knee he sustained on Christmas Day, is expected to test the knee before Tuesday’s game.

If Stoudemire, who underwent surgery Oct. 21, does return, how will he mesh with the Knicks’ current group of players?

During the 2011-12 season, New York went 36-30 and lost to Miami in five games in the first round of the playoffs. Lineups that included Stoudemire, Anthony and center Tyson Chandler were among the least productive in the league.

Anthony has thrived without Stoudemire this season, scoring 28.5 points per game, up nearly six points from 2011-12. And his three-point percentage (43.4%) is on pace to be a career high.

The Knicks lead the Atlantic Division with a 21-9 record, a half-game behind the Heat for the best record in the Eastern Conference.