Jason Kidd returns Wednesday night. (Getty Images) |
New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd will return Wednesday from a four-game absence due to back issues, albeit in limited minutes, and guard Raymond Felton also will be on the floor against the Bobcats despite a hand bruise, the New York Post reports.
“Most likely not,’’ Kidd said when asked if he would start tonight. “I’ve been out for a week, so we’ll work back in with the second unit. But you never know what Coach Woody has planned.
“It’s good to be back on the floor with the guys,” added Kidd, who missed his first game nine days ago in Brooklyn. “They’re playing extremely well. Hopefully I don’t interfere with that.”
Both Kidd and Felton were listed yesterday as probable.
“Oh yeah, I’m playing,’’ Felton said. “It’s going to be tough, but I’m going to play. It’s a bruise. I’ll be all right.’’
The Knicks missed Kidd for his ability to both shoot from the perimeter and reverse the ball to the weakside. With Kidd coming off the bench, Kurt Thomas will once again get the start as Carmelo Anthony remains at small forward instead of the power forward spot that led to so much success for the Knicks early in the season.
Felton had injured his hand over the weekend, suffering both a bone bruise and a general contusion, but figured he'd be able to play and will go.
Meanwhile, reserve big man Marcus Camby has been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, the particularly painful condition that can plague the season of an older forward/center like Camby. Camby will miss both Wednesday against the Bobcats and Thursday against the Miami Heat.