"Sorry, Miami, the surging Knicks aren't coming to town tomorrow shorthanded. Banged up, but not shorthanded.

As the Knicks (12-4) begin their three-game trip Wednesday night, the Knicks reload against the improved Bobcats (7-9) when point guard Ray Felton and Jason Kidd resume their seasons. Kidd, who suffered back spasms, said he probably will come off the bench tonight and coach Mike Woodson will limit his minutes.

The Heat, who lost to 105-101 to the hapless Wizards last night, await in a second night of a back-to-back tomorrow, but Woodson is not going to be pulling a Gregg Popovich and send his wounded warriors home. The Knicks, who are tied with the Heat for the best record in the Eastern Conference will show up in South Beach with their full opening-season rotation.

Felton, who left the locker room in agony after Sunday's 106-99 victory over the Suns to take an MRI exam, will play with his bruised left thumb and will have the base of his hand wrapped in a protective cushion and tape. Kidd, 39, who missed the last four games, will not play his full share of minutes but said he is "100 percent.''