Tyson Chandler, after a light workout on the Garden court before last night’s 108-89 victory over the Celtics, said he hopes to work out again today and has set a goal of playing against the Heat tomorrow.
As he trotted off the court, a fan asked the Knicks center when he’d be back. “Hopefully Tuesday,’’ Chandler responded.
That may be overly optimistic and a lot of things have to go right. The Knicks canceled today’s scheduled practice, so Chandler won’t have a 5-on-5 scrimmage to test himself. He missed his 10th straight game due to a bulging disk in his cervical spine, but the Knicks are 8-2 in his absence, including eight straight wins.
Chandler revealed last night he nearly took an epidural injection Wednesday because the pain had become “excruciating.” However, a spine specialist he met with recommended a new form of therapy to alleviate the sensations running from his neck into his shoulder.
“It was the first time getting on the court [since Monday’s practice],’’ Chandler said of last night’s drills. “I felt pretty good. I was still a little stiff, which is expected. I’m not reacting, so that’s a good thing. I just got to be able to move. Hopefully I’ll feel good [today], then I can practice.’’
Asked if he would try to suit up in South Beach if he feels decent after today’s workout, Chandler said, “Absolutely. That’s what I’m shooting for, barring any setbacks. It was the first time I was able to lift my arm above my shoulder without feeling pain.’’
During the workout, Chandler did lateral drills, sliding side to side. He also took layups and hook shots, and was moving gingerly.
“We’ve got to get him on the floor running and seeing if he’s ready,’’ coach Mike Woodson said.
Chandler has experienced a sore neck since January but only became unable to play after colliding with the Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried during a game March 13.
“Some of the pain became excruciating where I couldn’t even move, honestly,’’ Chandler said. “After a while it calmed down and I could walk around. This is the best I felt since. I’m optimistic it’s getting better.’’
Chandler also thought he was close last Monday when he returned to practice, but the bumping and grinding caused a relapse.
“I met with a specialist after we landed from Boston [Wednesday],’’ Chandler said. “I was having pain, it wasn’t going away. They had things for me to do. Thankfully I didn’t have to get an injection. I’m coming along slowly but starting to feel better.’’
Raymond Felton said he would support Chandler if he elected to rest the remainder of the regular season and be right for the playoffs, which begin April 20.
“I just like to be on the court,’’ said Chandler, who hadn’t missed a game until the Denver injury. “I want to be out there for my teammates. If I could play, I’m going to play. I know I also have to do what’s best for my teammates. Being 100 percent and active is what’s best for my teammates especially going into the playoffs.
“They’ve done an excellent job of not putting the pressure on me and allowing me to rest because of the way they’ve been playing. A winning streak helps things.’’