Williams went through practice Wednesday and shoot-around Thursday and will make his return from a bruised right quadriceps and swollen knee. He said he was feeling good enough to play even if the opponent wasn't the Mavericks.

"I'm sure it will be a playoff-type atmosphere," Williams said. "It's a big game. We've been struggling, so it's a big game for our confidence and hopefully we can get it tonight."

The Jazz trail Dallas by 2 1-2 games in the standings, with the Mavericks riding a four-game winning streak and coming off a victory Wednesday over Portland.

"We've got to have a good game from everybody. They're playing at a high level right now and we've got to be able to match that."

Although Williams will play, the Jazz might be without C.J. Miles, who was sent to the doctor with an upper respiratory infection and is listed as questionable for the game.

Andrei Kirilenko, meanwhile, reported no soreness in his right ankle six days after having bone fragments removed. Kirilenko was wearing a walking boot and is eyeing a quick return to the court.

"I'm aiming to play right after All-Star break," Kirilenko said. "It's a little bit faster than it's supposed to be, but we'll see. We'll see how it goes because I haven't run yet, but in the fourth day after surgery, I start working out, so it doesn't feel that bad."

rsiler@sltrib.com