Stoudemire’s back worse, may miss Game 4 (AP)

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP)—Amare Stoudemire(notes) says his back is worse and needs to feel better if he is going to play in Game 4 of the Knicks’ series against Boston.

Stoudemire missed the second half of Game 2 on Tuesday with back spasms and was told the injury takes three weeks to heal. He played Friday night and struggled with seven points, shooting 2 of 8 in 33 minutes.

The All-Star forward says he was below 50 percent and was “pretty much in pain the whole game, from start to finish.” Game 4 is Sunday afternoon, and Stoudemire says he wants to make a smart decision and not worsen the injury.

“If I feel better tomorrow, then we’ll see how it goes,” he said. “If not, then hopefully we still can get a win.”