Tyson Chandler is back.

After missing 20 games with a fractured fibula, Tyson Chandler is ready to return to the Knicks. Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images

He was the starting center when the New York Knicks took on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

"I'm excited," he said before the morning shoot around. "It's been way too long. I've watched way too much basketball from the sideline. I'm looking forward to getting back out there and helping my team out."

Chandler has been out since Nov. 5 with a small nondisplaced fracture of his right fibula. Counting Monday, the Knicks are 6-14 without their starting center.

Coach Mike Woodson said he will proceed with caution when it comes to his big man.

"I'm going to start him tonight," Woodson said. "We're just going to try gauge it and see how he's playing and moving. I'm sure he'll let us know. I'm sure he'll be winded early. We'll probably give him six, seven minutes early and then bring him back."

Chandler said he's going to work his way back in, trying to get his timing and explosiveness back.