Larry Brown revealed yesterday that Antonio Davis is expected to rejoin the Knicks Saturday in Philadelphia.

Davis has remained home in Chicago since last Thursday when the league suspended the veteran power forward for five games for going into the stands during a game against the Bulls at the United Center.

Even though Davis is eligible to practice with the team, he was given permission to spend the week with his family. Davis' absence has led to speculation that the Knicks may attempt to either trade Davis or release him following the Feb. 23 trading deadline.

Davis is eligible to play Monday against the Hawks in Atlanta. Brown coached Davis with the Pacers and convinced the forward to join the Knicks after Davis was acquired in the Eddy Curry deal.

The Knicks originally planned to release Davis, but Brown felt Davis could be a valuable asset for the Knicks' young players. Isiah Thomas would prefer to see Curry and rookie Channing Frye get more playing time over Davis. Since Davis is in the final year of his contract, he could be traded next month. The Knicks assured Davis in October they would not trade him.