Jason Kidd’s absence on Wednesday night against the Magic was a popular topic during Mike Woodson’s pregame press conference. The 39-year-old is sidelined with a sore lower back.

Woodson said Kidd will be re-evaluated on Thursday, and expects the point guard to return on Friday against the Bucks. When he does, the coach would like to keep him between 20 and 25 minutes a game. He said there could be some times where he may play up to 30 if the team needs him down the stretch.

“Kidd has been a trooper about it in terms of giving us what he’s got,” Woodson said.

via Jared Zwerling of ESPNNewYork.com