No Surgery For Stoudemire; Knicks Star Out 2-4 Weeks With Bulging Disc
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Forget "indefinitely."
Injured Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire now has a timetable for his return: two to four weeks.
Stoudemire won't need season-ending surgery on a bulging disc in his lower back, the team announced Wednesday. New York originally said Stoudemire would be out indefinitely after an MRI revealed the injury.
The 29-year-old traveled to Miami on Tuesday for a second opinion.
"Both doctors have agreed that he should undergo non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation, that will include an epidural," the team said in a statement. "He is expected to be out for approximately 2-4 weeks."
Stoudemire has averaged 17.6 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season. He left Saturday night's game early after experiencing back stiffness and sat out of Monday night's win.
The Knicks, who hold the eighth Eastern Conference playoff spot, could have their All-Star forward back before the regular season ends on April 26.
"That's always good news," said Carmelo Anthony. "I just want him to be healthy, that's the most important thing for him. For us, we just want him to be healthy."
Also, Jeremy Lin will sit out Wednesday against the Orlando Magic with a sore left knee. Anthony was listed as questionable aggravating his groin against Milwaukee, but insisted he would play.
"I had a groin injury before, this is nowhere near the first time, where I had to sit out six, seven games," Anthony said. "I'm able to run around out there, I'm able to move, I'm able to cut and do a lot more stuff. So I'll be out there, so that's the most important thing."
Knicks fans, do you expect to see Amar'e before the playoffs begin? Sound off below!
