Knicks’ Bargnani out indefinitely

These are not the best of times for the New York Knicks.

Not only is the team struggling with five consecutive losses, but now the Knicks have lost center Andrea Bargnani indefinitely with a torn ligament in his left elbow.

Bargnani was injured when he fell on a failed dunk attempt during the third quarter of the Knicks’ 110-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. After the foul, he made both free throws and then returned to the game in the fourth quarter, finishing with 20 points and four blocked shots.

The 7-footer is the Knicks’ second leading scorer at 13.3 points per game and is averaging 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while starting 39 of New York’s 42 games this season.

The Knicks acquired Bargnani, a No. 1 overall draft pick in 2006, from the Toronto Raptors in June.

His injury is the latest blow to a team that is playing without Amar’e Stoudemore (ankle), Kenyon Martin (ankle) and Metta World Peace (knee).

The Knicks play host to the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night.