Amar'e Stoudemire Injury: Updates on Knicks Star's Back Injury

Amar'e Stoudemire has an injured back, but the New York Knicks are hopeful he won't be out for an extended period of time. 

Stoudemire having back issues once again is the last thing the Knicks need right now as they fight to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Update: Friday, April 20 at 8:40 a.m. ET by Tim Daniels

Stoudemire will return to the Knicks lineup on Friday night when the team takes on the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Victor Chi of ThePostGame. The forward also had some interesting comments about the upcoming playoffs.

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The Knicks have four games left in the regular season, and they will likely be either the seventh or eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. That means a first-round matchup against Chicago or Miami. Stoudemire says the opponent doesn't matter in terms of basketball. But he does have a preference when other factors are considered.

"As far as weather and city, I'd rather be in Miami," he says.

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It will be interesting to see how the Knicks perform with Stoudemire back. Carmelo Anthony had taken a more aggressive offensive role with the big man sidelined, but might be more inclined to scale that down, which would actually hurt New York's chances.

Update: Wednesday, April 18 at 10:00 a.m. ET by Alex Kay

Marc Berman of the New York Post has a theory on why Amar'e Stoudemire feels the need to return for Friday's contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Knicks may have little to play for in final 2 games, stuck in 7 or 8 slots. Hence, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler could easily sit vs. Clippers and Charlotte. Definitely Charlotte. That would give Stoudemire just Cleveland/Atlanta to mesh with Melo and get some chemistry going. He really should have come back tonight in Newark.

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Last season, Amar'e was banged up heading into the playoffs and his back injury was a major excuse for the team being swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round.

This year, Stoudemire has struggled to gel with 'Melo, although the two have rarely played together since Mike Woodson took the reigns from Mike D'Antoni after he resigned.

If they can't figure out how to work together in what little time is left during the regular campaign, the Knickerbockers are going to be doomed once again in the postseason.

Update: Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET 

If you need a solid date for Amare Stoudemire's return, you may have to settle for a hunch at this point. 

New York Daily News' Frank Isola reports via Twitter that head coach Mike Woodson is targeting Friday as a possible return.

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"The speculation is probably Friday," Mike Woodson says of Amar'e playing

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 17, 2012"

Update: Tuesday, April 17 at 11:40 a.m. ET by Alex Kay

Al Iannazzone of New York Newsday is reporting that Stoudemire is going to definitely miss the next two games against the Boston Celtics (tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET) and New Jersey Nets (Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET). 

He's hoping to return from back injury by Friday's game in Cleveland versus the Cavaliers, which tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This is good news for Knicks fans, as Stoudemire wasn't healthy in last year's postseason, which led to the team getting swept by the Celtics in the first round.

If he can get back by Friday, STAT will have that game and three more to get back into playing shape before the playoffs begin.

We will keep you updated on the latest findings concerning Amare's bulging disk and his recovery timetable right here throughout the week. 

Update: Tuesday, April 17 at 9:15 a.m. ET by Alex Kay

Amar'e is eyeing a potential return to the starting lineup on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. 

Stoudemire was hoping to be cleared by Wednesday for the last ever meeting between the New Jersey Nets and Knicks at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

However, after two contact scrimmages leading up to the game, practice was cancelled due to injuries to Tyson Chandler and other players. 

It would be wise for the Knicks to hold STAT out of a relatively meaningless contest if he isn't in game shape, rather than risk further aggravating his back injury right before the playoffs start.

Keep it tuned here throughout the week for the latest updates and analysis on Stoudemire's status and information on when he will finally be able to return to action following his bulging disk recovery.  

UPDATE: Sunday, April 15, 2:50 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

With back issues plaguing all-star forward Amar’e Stoudemire again this season, his possible return to the lineup could be sooner than many people expected in and around the organization had anticipated.

New York Newsday is reporting about the possible return of the Knicks’ star power forward:

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Amar'e Stoudemire played full-court four-on-four Saturday to test his back, which will keep him out of his 11th straight game Sunday. He will practice Monday, and unless he has a setback, a return Tuesday against Boston or Wednesday against the Nets seems likely.

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While the outlook is good, the team must remain cautious with their optimism. A setback is nothing new to Stoudemire, and they need to continue playing hard with or without him in the lineup. They need to make the playoffs before the star can return for them.

UPDATE: Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 a.m

Amar'e Stoudemire's quest to return to the Knicks lineup by Wednesday appears to be right on schedule. According to Mike Berman of the New York Post, Amar'e will return to practice today and participate in a scrimmage.

This news couldn't come at a better time as New York is eyeing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern conference playoffs and are entering a tough final stretch.  

UPDATE: Thursday, April 12 at 9:10 a.m. ET by Adam Wells

Stoudemire's progress is encouraging, so much so that we are approaching zero-hour on his comeback. Unfortunately it will still be another week for the star power forward to get back on the court for the Knicks, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. 

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Amar’e Stoudemire is looking good, but not for Sunday against the Miami Dream Team. He has pushed back his return a few days and is eyeing the second night of a back-to-back, next Wednesday in Newark against the Nets, if all goes smoothly.

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The Knicks are still clinging to the No. 8 seed in the eastern conference and need all the help they can get right now. With just eight games left in the regular season, Stoudemire's presence could be the lift they need to propel them into the postseason. 

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 10 at 12:08 p.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

Amar'e Stoudemire will not play tonight or tomorrow, but is clearly making progress. His return will be dictated by the medial staff, according to New York Newsday's Al Iannazzone. 

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Mike Woodson said Amare won't play tonight or tomorrow. It's up to doctors and amar'e when he returns.

— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 10, 2012"

UPDATE: Tuesday, April 10 at 11:31 a.m. ET by Brandon Galvin

It is still unclear when Amar'e Stoudemire will return to the Knicks from injury, but he is certainly making progress. The Knicks' superstar forward was seen on the court this morning during shoot around as New York prepares to best the Chicago Bulls for the second straight game, according to New York Newsday's Al Iannazzone.

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Amar'e Stoudemire on the court with the knicks during shootaround here in chicago.

— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 10, 2012"

UPDATE: Sunday, April 8 at 10:04 a.m. ET

The New York Knicks currently don't know exactly when Amar'e Stoudemire will return, according to NY Post's Howie Kussoy.

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"Despite recent reports Amar’e Stoudemire hoped to return from his back injury by next weekend, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he does not plan on having the power forward anytime soon.

Stoudemire has missed the past six games with a bulging disk in his back and originally was given a timetable to return of 2-4 weeks — Wednesday marks two weeks since the diagnosis — but Woodson said he has no new information to suggest a return is imminent.

'At this point, I’m not counting on Amar’e right now to come back,' Woodson said after yesterday’s practice, declining to give a new timetable. 'You’ve got to ask the medical people that, but the bottom line is he’s not going to be in uniform for a while.

'How long it’s going to be? I don’t know. I’m sure if he feels like he’s ready to play, if he’s ready, he’ll let us know that, based on the therapy work that he continues to go through. I’m dealing with the guys that we have healthy that are in uniform. That’s all we have at this point.'"

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The Knicks are currently fighting for the playoffs. They need all the firepower they can get and need Stoudemire to return sooner than later. 

UPDATE: Thursday, March 29 at 4:09 p.m. ET 

Stoudemire may be able to make the playoffs for the Knicks after all, that is, if New York qualifies. 

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Stoudemire will take an injection of inflammatory steroids as opposed to surgery. 

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It appeared an optimistic timetable that Stoudemire will be fully sound by the time the playoffs roll around. It is a possibility he will need surgery in the offseason to avoid this from becoming a continuing problem, according to sources.

This is a temporary solution, though surgery would cause him to miss the playoffs, too. Wellington Hsu, an orthodepic surgeon and spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, said the injection will reduce inflammation around the nerve root — not the bulging disk itself.

“Even temporary relief from such an injection is enough for the player to return to the court,’’ Hsu said.

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It looks as though Stoudemire will be able to return this season, but of course, nothing is guaranteed.

Waiting until the offseason to have surgery is the smart move, but then again, it could hinder him for next year.

Keep checking back here for further updates as they come.  

UPDATE: Wedneday, March 28 at 10:15 a.m. ET 

Howard Beck of the New York Times tweeted today the latest news regarding Stoudemire, and to take a positive look on this ordeal, it could be worse.

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Knicks announce that Stoudemire will undergo 2-4 weeks of rehab, including epidural to treat his bulging disk.

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeckNYT) March 28, 2012"

 If Stoudemire returns in two weeks, then he'll be able to play in the final eight games of the season, but if his rehab takes the full four weeks, Stoudemire may only get to play in the final couple games, if even that.

This is unfortunate news for the Knicks, because fighting for a playoff spot without him will be very difficult.  

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 27 at 4:39 p.m. ET 

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Stoudemire will be out with a bulging disc in his back. 

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The injury will keep the power forward sidelined indefinitely, and according to a source close to Stoudemire, a best-case scenario would have the six-time All Star returning in four weeks. 

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This is a crushing blow for the Knicks. It's possible they may miss out on the playoffs now that Stoudemire is out for an extended period of time. 

Look for Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Jeremy Lin to rise up, but it's uncertain if that will be enough in the tough Eastern Conference. 

UPDATE: Monday, March 26 at 6:06 p.m. ET

Amar'e Stoudemire is expected to be out indefinitely, according to MSG's Alan Hahn.

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Amare Stoudemire is out indefinitely after MRI revealed a bulging disk in his lower back. #Knicks #fb

— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) March 26, 2012"

UPDATE: Monday, March 26 at 4:28 p.m. ET

Amar'e Stoudemire is a game-time decision for the Knicks' battle with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to SI.com's Staff. 

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"The New York Knicks say Jeremy Lin and Amare Stoudemire are both questionable for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks because of injuries."

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According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Stoudemire is headed to the doctor today to get his back checked out.

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Amar'e, who injured his back last April & couldn't play for 3 months, is having an MRI today for similar injury, Daily News has learned.

— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) March 26, 2012"

This is certainly cause for concern, simply because the Knicks will struggle to win down the stretch if Stoudemire is out for a while. 

Currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, New York has only a game-and-a-half lead on the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Oddly enough, the Knicks will host the Bucks on Monday night, and it's uncertain if Stoudemire will play. 

If Stoudemire is out for an extended period of time, it will create a ton of pressure on the Knicks' other star players.

Carmelo Anthony, Jeremy Lin and Tyson Chandler will have to rise up and carry this team. Chandler will be forced to deal with the most pressure if Stoudemire is unable to play for a while. 

They're all capable of stepping up for New York,  but there's no doubt they would prefer to have Stoudemire on the court.

Stay tuned right here for further updates as they come on Stoudemire's health status.