The Knicks' undersized front line grew nearly seven feet yesterday.

Marcus Camby, sidelined the last two weeks with a sore left foot, was cleared to resume practicing by team doctors, and the Knicks are hopeful their starting center will be available for the season opener a week from today against Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards.

Their one reason for pause is that Camby will sit out tonight's exhibition game against Utah at the Garden and the team is not saying whether he will play in the preseason finale Thursday against the Nets in Albany.