Though knowing that Yao would play any certain game ¡ª whether Saturday or in two weeks ¡ª would seem to help with preparation, Van Gundy said he does not need or expect notice.

"It doesn't matter to me because when they say he can play, I'm playing him," Van Gundy said. "Even if he wasn't around (at practices and shootarounds), we're going to play him when they say. I don't know for how long, or if they're going to put time restrictions. How he's playing and how we're playing will determine how much (he plays).

"It's all about when he's cleared. He'll play when he's cleared. There's going to be a period of time he's going to take to play effectively.

"He's going to work through that. That could hurt us in the short term, but obviously will be beneficial.

"He may not play well right away. He voiced his concerns about he doesn't want to come back and hurt us. I don't think he should worry. He is a good guy, obviously, worrying about breaking up a chemistry. But we could use him."