THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Toronto Raptors forward Linas Kleiza could be sidelined for up to a year after undergoing knee surgery.
Kleiza had microfracture surgery in Vail, Colo., on Wednesday to repair cartilage damage in his right knee, the NBA team announced Thursday.
Kleiza, who had missed Toronto’s past seven games, has averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 39 appearances this season.
The Lithuanian had six games of 20 or more points, including a season-best 26 on Dec. 10 versus Denver and Dec. 19 versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
His injury is more bad news for a Raptors team that takes a 13-game losing streak into Friday night’s matchup against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Raptors have been hit hard by injuries this season. Reggie Evans hasn’t played since he broke his foot on Nov. 26, while Leandro Barbosa has missed almost two weeks with a strained hamstring, and Andrea Bargnani has battled nagging injuries.
Kleiza signed a US$18.8-million, four-year deal with Toronto in July.
