Carter An All-Star Uncertainty

Vince Carter's injured left knee is no worse than it was in November, but it was unclear whether he'd be able to play in the All-Star game.

Carter, the Toronto Raptors forward who was the leading All-Star vote-getter for the second straight year, underwent an MRI on Wednesday that showed no further damage.

"This injury will not completely heal while he continues to play," team physician Dr. Douglas Richards said. "But, managed carefully throughout the season with strengthening and conditioning, Vince should be able to continue to function at a high level without doing damage to his knee."

Carter aggravated the injury, commonly known as jumper's knee, on Jan. 24 in Miami and he is day to day. He has missed six games this season and won't participate in the All-Star dunk contest because of the injury. The All-Star game is Feb. 11 in Washington, D.C.

"In November, Vince sustained an acute microinjury, in which the junction of the tendon and kneecap was strained," Richards said. "After a period of healing and active rehabilitation, he was able to return to play without difficulty. However, the combination of accumulated activity and a recent contusion has temporarily aggravated the condition."

Carter, fourth in the league in scoring with 27.7 points a game, played less than four minutes Tuesday night, and missed Toronto's game against Atlanta on Wednesday night.

"It remains game to game," Toronto general manager Glen Grunwald said. "I have to rely on what Vince and the medical staff says."

Injuries have already forced Miami center Alonzo Mourning (kidney ailment) and Orlando forward Grant Hill (foot injury) to miss the All-Star game. Both players are out for the season.

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