The team said Wednesday that tests showed no ligament or nerve damage and surgery is not required. Chandler left in the first quarter of a 102-97 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday.

He has a small fracture in the fibula in his lower leg.

New York is off to a 1-3 start after winning its first Atlantic Division title since 1994 last season. The Knicks will miss his defense and rebounding as they try to keep pace in the deep Eastern Conference.


BYNUM READY TO PLAY


When the Philadelphia 76ers made a trade for Andrew Bynum, they expected a top NBA center with franchise-altering potential.

In his lone season, Bynum had no effect on the Sixers, but it's hard to change a team from the sidelines.

Now, according to an Akron Beacon Journal report, he's ready to play in Philadelphia this Friday, as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who signed him to a two-year, $24 million deal this offseason.

"Just another game," Bynum told the Beacon Journal.

While Bynum sees no significance in the game, he's aware that Sixers fans could feel differently.

"I think they’ll probably boo, but that’s their choice," he said.

Bynum has played in all but one contest of his Cavaliers stint, which is now at four games.

Obviously, that's more than he did in an entire year with the Sixers. Bynum is aware of this, but doesn't feel any regret when he looks back at how things ended in Philadelphia.

"It wasn’t my choice to get rid of me," Bynum said. "I don’t feel bad at all. ... If I was not hurt, I would’ve played. That’s really the end to that story."


JACKSON SAYS DOLPHINS 'FAILED'


The Miami Dolphins' saga, which still has details that need to be ironed out, has become a topic in all circles, even in basketball.

Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson was asked about the situation, a scenario in which veteran offensive lineman Richie Incognito is alleged to have threatened and harassed rookie Jonathan Martin as part of a rookie-hazing effort to "toughen up" the young player.

Jackson, who acknowledges that NBA rookies are made to pay their dues through various tasks, pointed to an organizational disconnect.

"It's sad," Jackson said, according to the Bay Area News Group. "I think everybody should be held accountable because that should not take place without players knowing, coaches knowing, management knowing. It's just disappointing."

Jackson is obviously removed from the Dolphins situation, but, as a long-time player and coach, he understands locker-room culture. And Jackson said he believes the Dolphins' culture either promoted or ignored the treatment of Martin.

"You've got to make sure you have the right people in the locker room," Jackson said. "People who not only care about winning, but more importantly carry the flag of the organization. And the Miami Dolphins have failed."

Now, as is the case with most sports, the NBA is not exempt from giving rookies chores or forcing them to wear embarrassing backpacks. But there must also be moments where veteran players show compassion and guidance, Jackson said.

"I don't believe in rookie hazing," Jackson said. "I believe in rookies doing stuff as rookies. Getting coffee. Getting donuts. Picking up a tab. Not a $15,000 or $30,000 tab. I don't care who you are, that's disrespectful.

"One thing our guys did last year, they took the rookies to dinner and made the rookies pick up the tab. But I will guarantee you every single one of those rookies received more than what they spent that night. You've got a guy wearing a Gucci bag today because a veteran bought it. You got a guy carrying an iPhone 5S today because a veteran bought it. That's how you treat the rookies. I think we've got it twisted as a society."

Contributors: DeAntae Prince, The Associated Press