Timberwolves' Budinger Out 3-4 Months After Knee Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Timberwolves announced Tuesday that forward Chase Budinger will be out three to four months after having successful knee surgery.

Budinger hurt his left knee during the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' loss at Chicago on Saturday. It was revealed Sunday that he tore meniscus cartilage in the knee and would need surgery. He had the surgery done Tuesday by Dr. James Andrews, one of the nation's most high-regarded surgeons when it comes to professional athletes.

Minnesota is already playing without Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio, JJ Barea and Brandon Roy because of injuries. Nikola Pekovic sprained his left ankle Monday against Dallas but is hopeful to be back this week.

If the time table sticks, Budinger would return in late February or early March. The Timberwolves acquired Budinger in an offseason trade with Houston back in June. In six games, he was averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.