Woodson regrets narrowing rotation

DALLAS — Mike Woodson decided to go against his normal plan. He reduced his rotation to eight players and his Knicks looked tired on the second night of a backtoback in last night’s 114111 loss in Dallas.

Woodson played eight guys, meaning point guard Pablo Prigioni, Marcus Camby and even Kurt Thomas didn’t see the Dallas court. It was the first time Prigioni did not play this season, and it continued Camby’s perplexing usage.

Woodson admitted it wasn’t the right call.

“I was trying to go for the sure win and not that I don’t do that every time, but I narrowed the lineup knowing we had a day off for Thanksgiving,’’ Woodson said. “But it somewhat backfired. Bad coaching. We’ll figure it out next game.’’

The Knicks’ biggest strength is its depth but instead he used Carmelo Anthony for 40:35 and he didn’t shine in the fourth. He played Raymond Felton 39:17 and Jason Kidd went 35:46. JR Smith played 32:10.

Tyson Chandler has been banging the drums for Anthony’s MVP candidacy, saying he should be “at the top of the race’’ because the Knicks’ great start. Last night, before Anthony faded down the stretch, Chandler said, “To me, he’s the best player in the game right now.’’

Chandler, who has a championship ring, praised Anthony, but it could be viewed as damning him with faint praise, reading between the lines. It’s evident the Knicks center didn’t consider Anthony had qualities of a true winner before the 201213 season.

“He’s a completely different player this year,’’ Chandler said before the game. “I think the USA [Olympic] experience did wonders for him being around those guys. I think he’s hungry to take it to the next level and win.’’