National Basketball Association

Williams may return to face Knicks

Published Mar. 26, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

New Jersey Nets star Deron Williams Saturday said he was targeting Wednesday’s game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden as his possible return date.

“Maybe I’ll eye that New York game. It’s a big game,” Williams said, indicating that the rivalry between the two teams — including “a lot of animosity between ownerships” — makes it a natural game for him to return.

Williams, acquired by the Nets in a blockbuster deal before the trading deadline, has missed five straight games after re-injuring his right wrist in a fall at Milwaukee nine days ago. He said he would like to return sooner rather than later.

The Nets also play Tuesday at home against Houston, but Williams said he would prefer to play the second game of a back-to-back scenario.

“I’m going to give it one more try. Hopefully, I don’t hurt it again,” Williams said. “I was probably going to play sooner than later and ... it would probably be better to play the second of a back-to-back, instead of the first.”

That Knicks game fits all the criteria.

“It’d be a fun game to be a part of, I would think,” said Williams.

There was bad news for the Knicks on Saturday with small forward Quinton Ross lost for the season with a herniated disc. He played Friday for the first time since Feb. 25 and re-injured his back.