Knicks" Chandler Set to Return From Leg Fracture The Knicks can't wait for Tyson Chandler to get back to leading their defense instead of leading their cheers. Center Tyson Chandler will make his much anticipated return Wednesday night when the Knicks visit the Milwaukee Bucks. The team made the announcement at its morning shootaround in Milwaukee, where the Knicks (7-17) are hoping to rebound from Monday's demoralizing loss to the Washington Wizards. There have been a lot of those lately for this team, which has labored without Chandler's defense and leadership. He has missed 20 games since fracturing his right fibula against the Charlotte Bobcats on Nov. 5. Chandler told reporters that it had been difficult to watch his teammates struggle without him. "There were times when I tried to speak," he said, "but then I felt like it's not so appropriate for me to speak right now because I'm not in the cage, in the ring, in the fight. Those were really the times when it weighed on me because I'm watching my guys go through things, and I want to be out there with them so bad. Chandler was playing at a high level before he was injured, averaging 9 points and 11.3 rebounds through the team's first three games. The Knicks need him now more than ever, as Coach Mike Woodson tries to cope with an injury-ravaged roster. Amar'e Stoudemire (knees), Kenyon Martin (strained abdominal), Pablo Prigioni (toe) and Raymond Felton (hamstring) are all expected to miss Wednesday's game because of injury. Chandler said he did not feel that he was rushing back to health. After he participated in three-on-three drills with teammates at Tuesday's practice, Woodson wanted to wait to see how Chandler felt Wednesday morning before determining whether he would play against the Bucks. Chandler declared himself fit and ready to go. "I should be fine," he said. I'm sure at the beginning of the game I may run into a little bit of conditioning - just from the excitement. But I'll gauge myself, be smart about it, and if I ever feel fatigued I'll take myself out because I'm no good to my team like that. The Knicks rank 27th in the league in points allowed per possession, according to Basketball Reference. Chandler, who was the N.B.A.'s defensive player of the year in 2011-12, should help the Knicks" porous play in the post. He also sets screens and creates space on offense. "The team's problems have only reinforced his importance," said P. J. Carlesimo, an analyst for ESPN who was the Nets" interim coach last season. It's monumentally important for him to be out there.