Tyson Chandler will play in Miami.

In somewhat unexpected news, Tyson Chandler's game-time decision is to play basketball in the basketball game after a ten-game absence due to a bulging disc in his neck. Chandler will start at center tonight in Miami while Kenyon Martin moves back to the bench (though we'll hopefully see them together on the floor at some point). Carmelo Anthony will remain as the starting power forward alongside Raymond Felton, Pablo Prigioni, and Iman Shumpert.

I'd been hoping the Knicks would give Chandler another night to rest since the Heat are playing without LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers, but hey, I guess everyone agrees he's ready. I know I'll be keeping a close eye on how Tyson's moving out there and whether he's grimacing or grabbing his neck after shots and rebounds. Chandler won't be on a minutes limit or anything, so I guess we're going on the honor system here (Mike Woodson will hopefully obey Tyson if he requests to leave the game). No word yet on Chandler's availability for Wednesday night in Atlanta.

Cool! Cool? I'm glad Tyson feels well enough to play. I hope he plays well and continues feeling well enough to play forever.

Game thread soon!

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