TheSpread.com

Arenas out 2-3 months following surgery
April 5th, 2007

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas underwent surgery Thursday to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee and will be sidelined the next 2-to-3 months.

Arenas was hurt in the first quarter of Wednesday's game against Charlotte when he collided with Bobcats swingman Gerald Wallace. Arenas had surgery Thursday at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington.

"Gilbert was performing at an elite level," said Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld in a statement. "It's unfortunate that this injury occurred, but being the competitor that he is, Gilbert will approach his rehab regimen with the same work ethic that has made him one of the league's most outstanding performers. We expect him to make a full recovery, and we know that his teammates will be up to the challenge to respond in his absence."

Although Arenas is expected to make a full recovery, his season is over unless his teammates can make a deep run in the NBA playoffs. Should he be able to return in two months, the Wizards would likely need to reach at least the NBA Finals for him to play again this season.

Hornets Tyson Chandler (toe) and Chris Paul (foot) are both doubtful.

Celtics Al Jefferson (knee) has been ruled out of tonight's game.

Celtics Paul Pierce (elbow) is out of Friday's game.

Bulls Andres Nocioni (foot) will not play tonight.

Rockets Tracy McGrady received treatment for his stiff lower back Thursday, but is still questionable for tonight.

Knicks David Lee (leg) is doubtful.

Bulls Ben Wallace (infection) has been downgraded to doubtful for tonight's game.

Rockets Tracy McGrady (back) is a game time decision tonight.

Wade may return next week as sixth man
April 6th, 2007

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Dwyane Wade is reportedly close to a return, although it may be in a role with which he's quite unfamiliar.

According to a story in the Miami Herald, Wade traveled with the team this week for the first time since dislocating his left shoulder in late February, and has been increasing his workout regimen in recent days.

He could see action next week, but would likely serve as the sixth man initially as he gets eased back into the rotation.

Wade originally suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of a 112-102 loss at Houston on February 21.

The star guard is averaging 28.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists this season for the Heat, who just clinched a playoff spot with an overtime win over Cleveland on Thursday.