Steve Novak believes he can return to the New York Knicks' lineup for Game 3 on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers.

Novak has been suffering from back spasms since Game 5 of the Knicks' first round series against the Boston Celtics.

“Yeah, I mean right now we think Game 3,” said Novak.

Despite missing Game 6 against the Celtics on Friday and Game 1 against the Pacers on Sunday, Novak has felt progress during treatment and told the media no MRI will be necessary.

“No, because if it hadn’t gotten better we would have, but each day it’s gotten better,” said Novak. “We think we know that it’s tissue, it’s not a disc or anything like that.”

Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith have struggled shooting the ball recently and Novak believes his return would help space the floor for both to operate.