EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) New Jersey Nets All-Star guard Jason Kidd hopes a little extended rest will make his aching left knee feel better and get him ready for the playoffs next month.

Kidd, who was placed on the injured list with a bone bruise Friday, said doctors are still looking at an MRI exam to decide whether he needs more than rest.

``Rest has helped in the past,'' Kidd said Sunday before the Nets played the Dallas Mavericks. ``We'll see what a little more rest can do.''

Dr. Michael Kelly, the Nets' orthopedic surgeon, has examined the MRI that Kidd had Friday. Dr. David Altchek of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City will give a second opinion, Kidd said.

Kidd said no one has told either him or Jeff Schwartz, his agent, that he will need athroscopic surgery.

``You go with what the doctors are saying and you kind of take it as a bone bruise and get some rest,'' Kidd said. ``Hopefully, it will heal up real fast.''

Kidd does not know how long potential surgery would sideline him. There is a month left in the regular season.

Kidd said there is no pain when he stands or walks. He said he is doing his best to maintain his conditioning.

``The worst case scenario is probably being 'scoped,'' Kidd said. ``We haven't talked worst. We are being positive.''

Kidd, who is averaging 16 points, an NBA-best 9.5 assists and 6.7 rebounds, insisted he would do all he could to avoid surgery.

``Unless (it was) after the playoff, after we win it,'' said Kidd, who has led the Nets to consecutive Eastern Conference titles.

Kenyon Martin was more optimistic about the tendinitis in his left knee.

``It's still bothers me, but it's calmed down a bit,'' Martin said, adding he hopes to be back in a week or so.