No surgery necessary for Amare Stoudemire, who should be back in two-to-four weeks

New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire does not need surgery for the bulging disk in his back and is expected to return to the floor in two-to-four weeks, the team announced.

Stoudemire’s back stiffened up on him during the Knicks’ win in New York over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, and concerns were exacerbated with a report Tuesday that he may need season-ending back surgery.

Stoudemire visited a specialist in Miami on Tuesday, and doctors agreed to treat the injury with rehabilitation, including an epidural for pain relief.

"That's always good news," Carmelo Anthony said of Stoudemire's expected return. "I just want him to be healthy, that's the most important thing for him. For us, we just want him to be healthy."

Despite expecting their power forward to be back before the regular season ends, Stoudemire’s absence will make Knicks fans nervous. They have a tenuous two-game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. On the other hand, they’re just three games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the Atlantic Division lead. So one can envision them winning their division—or missing the playoffs entirely.

New York also is dealing with injuries to Anthony (groin), Jeremy Lin (knee) and Jared Jeffries, who is out another week to 10 days with a sore right knee. Lin will not play against the Magic on Wednesday, the New York Daily News' Frank Isola reports. Anthony is reportedly ready to play.

The Knicks’ schedule won’t make things any easier. Of their final 16 games, 10 are against playoff-bound opponents.