MIAMI -- Miami Heat point guard Jason Williams is not expected to play the final eight games of the regular season so he can rest his sore right knee.
Heat coach Pat Riley hopes the rest will allow Williams to return for the first round of the playoffs. Riley said Wednesday that Williams might need surgery. He has been bothered by tendinitis for much of the season.
Acquired in an offseason trade with the Memphis Grizzlies,
Williams averaged 12.4 points and 4.9 assists in 57 games this
season.
In his place, Gary Payton is expected to start at point guard for
the Heat, who are trying to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern
Conference.
The 6-foot-1 Williams has career averages of 11.7 points and 6.6
assists in parts of eight seasons with Miami, Memphis and the
Sacramento Kings.
The Associated Press and SportsTicker contributed to this report.