"Terrence Williams wants to play, is "dying" to play. But he knows he could make a nasty situation worse and be lost to the Nets for even longer.

"It's not something I want to rush, honestly, and hurt myself again," said Williams, who missed his last night's 91-90 loss to the Magic with a lower abdominal strain suffered Monday in practice. "[I'm] dying to play basketball. Really, it seems like forever."

Seems that way for the Nets, too, who have miss Williams' versatility for three games now. Coach Avery Johnson is hopeful of getting Williams back on the four-game road trip that starts tomorrow against the Clippers. Fingers are crossed and incense is burning for the Clipper game. The Nets should have a better idea today after Williams works out in L.A.

Following yesterday's on-court workout, his most strenuous since the injury, Williams sounded and looked completely discouraged. He acknowledged a "throbbing" pain after certain movements."