GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) - The New York Knicks hope to have Amare Stoudemire back before the end of the season after a second doctor said he won’t need surgery on the bulging disk in his back.
The Knicks said Wednesday they expect Stoudemire to miss about two to four weeks while getting treatment. They had previously said he was out indefinitely after an MRI revealed the injury on Monday.
Point guard Jeremy Lin also will miss their game against Orlando on Wednesday because of a sore left knee, but Carmelo Anthony said he will play despite a strained right groin.
Stoudemire is returning from Miami, where he was given a second opinion on the injury. Both doctors agreed on non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation, which will include an epidural for pain relief.
That could allow Stoudemire to return before the regular season ends April 26. The Knicks hold a two-game lead over Milwaukee for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
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