Two top forwards in the NBA Eastern Conference could be out of action in the coming weeks.

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls are dealing with knee issues so their respective teams may need to find players who can step in for the time being.

Anthony said via ESPN that is currently dealing with knee soreness, a result of the knee surgery he underwent last year. He adds that it may take some time for his knees to fully recover, which could indicate that he could be played sparingly or end up missing some games for the Knicks.

Overall, the high scoring Knicks forward wants to take advantage of any time off he can, and he could get one later on this week when the NBA holds its annual All Star weekend festivities in Toronto.

"I can feel it when I'm out there, as far as the rhythm, mechanically shooting the ball," said Anthony after the Knicks dropped a 101-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets. "It's not aligned for me right now. I got to find that alignment and just keep working at it."

Despite the knee issues, Anthony plans to take part in the All Star game that takes place on Sunday.

On the other end, Butler is suffering from a left knee strain that he sustained ironically also against the Nuggets. He incurred the injury in the second quarter when he got fouled by Joffrey Lauvergne.

Butler took the bonus free throw but had to be helped out to the locker room for further evaluation.

The Bulls swingman did not play against the Minnesota Timberwolves and has also been ruled out against Charlotte to allow Butler to take some time off and have his knee get better.

Teammate Derrick Rose, however, feels that it was not a major injury.

"He said he heard something pop," said Rose via ESPN. "But with my knees, I knew that it was something serious. But I came back [to the locker room] a couple of times when I was using the restroom -- it just seemed that they were icing it, and I guess it was nothing major."

Like Anthony, Butler could be ready to participate in the All Star game as well unless he feels he is not yet up to the task of getting back on the hardwood.

Right now, the Bulls need other players to step up with an injury-riddled lineup. Already out for the season is Joakim Noah while Pau Gasol is suffering from a hand injury.

The good news is that Mike Dunleavy could be set to return soon after sitting out majority of the first half of the NBA season after undergoing back surgery. He is, however, likely to play on restricted minutes.