Getty ImagesPHOENIX - Just getting into the playoffs will be enough of a trick for the Phoenix Suns already. Now, even if they do make it, they're assured not to have their top scorer back.
According to a report in the Arizona Republic on Thursday, All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire will not be available for the postseason should his team advance that far. He has been out since February 18 with a detached retina and underwent surgery two weeks ago.
The initial prognosis said that he would miss about eight weeks, making him available for the start of the playoffs. However, the surgeon who performed the operation has nipped that possibility in the bud.
"Not this season, not at all," Dr. Pravin Dugel said. "The Suns have the same goal - to make sure he can resume his career. ... It's very difficult to explain to anyone how serious this is. It's more serious than any knee or ankle surgery. The healing is excruciatingly slow and delicate."
The Suns are 2 1/2 games behind the Dallas Mavericks (37-25) for the eighth and final playoffs spot out West. Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points and 8.1 boards this season.
Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
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