MELO TO SIT MORE IN LOTTERY CHASE

SALT LAKE CITY — With the Knicks down 25 points, Carmelo Anthony sat out the fourth quarter at Staples Center on Monday against the Clippers. With the season down to a dirty dozen games, Anthony better get used a view from the bench — even in closer contests.

One day after he sounded as if his future in New York was in doubt, Anthony revealed Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek told him at Tuesday’s practice that his minutes will decrease, so the coach can get a closer look at their six rookies. With the Knicks at 27-43 and now just 1.5 games away from having the fourth-best odds in the draft lottery, Anthony said he’s OK with it.

“Coach is starting to realize — he mentioned today he’s going to start shortening minutes,’’ Anthony said. “I’ve been understanding with the situation. I understand.’’

Except for a sore shoulder that cost him a December game against Golden State, Anthony, who turns 33 in May, has been surprisingly healthy. However, he soon may start sitting out games, particularly the second leg of back-to-backs.

In perhaps his finals weeks in a Knicks uniform, Anthony said he wants to be a role model for the young guys.

“My role won’t change as far as helping guys out,’’ Anthony said after a weight-lifting session. “When I’m out there, I’ll play. When I’m not, I’ll help everyone else. I’ll still come in here and get my work done.

“All the young guys, it’s an opportunity to get that experience instead of having getting practice experience, individual workouts — actually getting it live and direct in a game against top-level opponents. It’s best to take advantage of that and for me to help them.’’

Hornacek, whose Jazz jersey is retired, will be feted before Wednesday’s game as the organization hold a 20th reunion for the fabled 1996-97 squad that made the NBA Finals, losing to Phil Jackson’s Bulls. Virtually the entire squad — including John Stock ton , Karl Malone, Knicks assistant Howard Eisley, former head coach Jerry Sloan — will be honored.