Amar'e Stoudemire Possibly Out for Rest of Season

Phoenix Suns Forward Amar'e Stoudemire will likely miss the rest of the regular season, as he will have surgery to repair a partially detached retina in his right eye Friday.

According to the AP, the surgery was performed by Dr. Pravin Dugel at Spectra Eye Institute in Sun City, Arizona.

Stoudemire is estimated to be out for eight weeks, depending on how fast the healing process goes.

AP said, "Dr. Dugel stressed that recovery varies on a case-by-case basis."

The 26-year-old forward, recently the subject of many trade rumors, was inadvertently poked in the eye during the Suns' 142-119 blowout victory over the ailing Los Angeles Clippers.

The eye injury marks Stoudemire's second of the season, as he was also inadvertently poked in the eye by former Sun Boris Diaw last October.

"We are very glad to hear that Amare should have a 100 percent recovery relative to his vision and his long-term prognosis is excellent," Suns general manager Steve Kerr said.

Stoudemire's loss could spell trouble for the Suns' 2009 playoff push. The Suns currently hold the ninth spot in the Western Conference, two games behind the Utah Jazz—who won last night against the Boston Celtics in Salt Lake City.

This could mean more minutes for Shaquille O'Neal, but it is doubtful the 36-year-old legendary center will  be able to endure any more playing time.

According to AP, Stoudemire's estimated return date is around April.

The Suns' last game of the regular season is April 15.