The New York Knicks got some bad news this morning, albeit some that they were expecting.
Amare Stoudemire will need an epidural shot to fix the bulging disk in his back, followed by two-to-four weeks of rehab, according to Howard Beck via Twitter.
New York needs this process to go smoothly. If Stoudemire misses more than four weeks, that cuts into a potential playoff series, provided the Knicks get that far.
Stoudemire has had a tough season all around this year. He's only averaging 17.6 points and eight rebounds per game. He's never had worse rebounding numbers and only had a lower scoring average in his rookie season (not including 2005-06 when he only played three games).
Without him, New York will have to use Josh Harrellson more off the bench and hope Tyson Chandler can stay out of foul trouble.
However, there could be a silver lining in all of this. If the Knicks do reach the postseason maybe Stoudemire will have his legs at full strength after resting, something that hasn't been the case all year.
For more on the Knicks, be sure to check out our blog Posting and Toasting along with SB Nation New York for all the latest news and updates.