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Report: Porzingis set for surgery Tuesday

New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, according to an ESPN report.

That would put the surgery exactly one week after Porzingis' knee buckled as he landed after a dunk against the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 6. The 7-foot-3, 240-pounder is expected to be sidelined at least 10 months, but a more specific rehab timeline will be established after surgery.

Teammate Enes Kanter told reporters Saturday the 22-year-old was upbeat and ready to attack his rehab when the two spoke Thursday.

"He's of course really sad because he wanted to be out there so bad with us," Kanter said. "But I think at the same time he's staying really positive. Like, 'Man I just want to get my surgery done early so I can just start getting my rehab and I can come back and play.'

"I think he's going to come back even stronger because he's really hungry."

Porzingis was averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in his third NBA season, earning his first career All-Star selection.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker will take his place on Team LeBron in the Feb. 18 game.

--Field Level Media