Injured J.R. Smith getting close to returning to Knicks lineup

Between a nagging foot injury and the Knicks getting off to the worst start in franchise history, J.R. Smith was asked what this season has been like.

"It's been a nightmare," he said Tuesday after practice. "We just got to wake up from it."

Smith has missed the last seven games with a small tear in his plantar fascia and is unsure if he will return Thursday for the Knicks' Christmas Day matinee against the Wizards. Smith said the pain in his foot, which he experienced even when simply walking, has been improving.