Amar'e Stoudemire has been cleared for contact in practice and said he hopes to play on opening night for the New York Knicks.

Mike Woodson also said the Knicks hope Stoudemire is available to play on Oct. 30, when New York hosts the Milwaukee Bucks to start the season.

Stoudemire underwent a knee procedure in July.

Stoudemire missed a large part of last season due to lingering knee issues.