Knicks' point guard Stephon Marbury was away from the team again Thursday, and Coach Isiah Thomas wasn't sure when he'd return.

Marbury has missed six of the last nine games since his father died Dec. 2.

Thomas hesitated when asked if he expected Marbury to bounce back and be a contributor.

"He's really having a rough time," Thomas said. "I hope that he can come out of this because he's having a very difficult time."

Marbury officially did not attend Thursday's practice because of a combination of flu-like symptoms and personal reasons. Thomas did not expect him to travel to Friday's game at Charlotte.