Reinforcements on horizon

NEW YORK — The stumbling Rockets expect to have reinforcements coming in the first few days of their five-game road trip. Forward James Ennis III is probable to play Friday against the Nets and guard James Harden is ikely to play Saturday against the Bulls.

Ennis has missed the past three games and Harden the past two, both with strained hamstrings. Coach Mike D’Antoni said Ennis would likely return to the starting lineup, depending on how he looked at Thursday’s practice and felt Friday.

Harden, who was also a full participant at practice, would not have any restrictions Saturday, with the Rockets holding him out until then largely because they did not want him to play both games in a back-to-back.

“James is never limited,” D’Antoni said. “He wants to play. I have to hold him out, even (Friday), which I think we are, but I’m not for sure. He doesn’t like it. He wants to play.”

Ennis learns from absence

Tough as injuries always can be, the timing of

James Ennis III’s strained hamstring made the frustration of sitting out worse, but he hopes also helpful.

Ennis had to go out after playing 2½ games with a new team that lost each game he missed. But he said he also benefited from watching the Rockets’ struggles and seeing what needed to change.

“Switching, not switching, it’s mainly about communication,” Ennis said. “Watching and seeing the mistakes helps. The mistakes are mainly from communication, not talking, not switching up hard, being physical on switches.”

Asked what he thought he could bring, Ennis said: “Probably my energy. Our energy wasn’t there on some nights. And I’ll help on the defensive end, too, because I’m a defensive player. I hang my hat on that. I can help this team on the defensive end.

“It was hard (being out) just knowing you want to be out there with your teammates, battle with them, and you can’t because of an injury. I’m just glad I’m back and can now help.”

Anthony talks Big Apple

Though Carmelo Anthony’s return to New York did not inspire much reflection, he thought of his seven years with the Knicks without regrets.

“I haven’t had a chance to reflect back on none of that,” Anthony said. “Maybe when I’m done I will have a lot of time to reflect back. Honestly, I didn’t have a bad experience there. Overall, looking back on it now, I had a great, great experience in New York.

“Last couple years was a little tough as far as losing and what I had to deal with, but other than that I had a hell of a experience in New York. That energy with the fans, the team and the players that came through there. The last couple of years, it is what it is. But, overall it was great.”

Asked if the 62 points he scored against Charlotte was his favorite memory, Anthony said it was up there, but cited his first game after the trade from Denver.

“That will be very high on my list as far as performances at the Garden,” Anthony said. “That moment. I think also, that Milwaukee game my first game with the Knicks, coming to the Garden, just that whole experience. Coming out there and hearing that song, welcome home. That moment, I don’t think it can get better than that moment.”

Anthony played in Madison Square Garden last season, making just five of 18 shots in an Oklahoma City loss, but the Brooklyn native did not play the Nets in Barclays Center with the Nets’ home game with the Thunder in Mexico City.