Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire will not require season-ending back surgery, the team announced Wednesday. Stoudemire will undergo 2-4 weeks of treatment and rehab, including an epidural, on a bulging disk in his lower back.

"Amar'e will return to New York from Miami, Florida, (Wednesday) after seeking a second opinion on a bulging disk of his lower back," the team said in a statement. "Both doctors have agreed that he should undergo non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation that will include an epidural. He is expected to be out for approximately 2-4 weeks."
 
The Knicks (25-25) play the Orlando Magic Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Stoudemire, scoring five points below his career average at 17.6 points per game, has been sluggish and ineffective for long stretches this season. He missed the fourth quarter of the Knicks' victory over the Pistons Saturday with a stiff back -- a problem that plagued him during last season's playoff loss to the Celtics -- and an MRI subsequently revealed the bulging disk.

Stoudemire, who spent the offseason and lockout in Miami strengthening his back muscles to fortify them against injury, returned to Florida Tuesday for a second opinion. The non-surgical treatment plan gives Stoudemire a chance to return for the playoffs, and possibly sooner.

The Knicks are three games behind the Sixers for the Atlantic Division lead and two games ahead of Milwaukee for the eighth playoff spot in the East.

Jeremy Lin (sore knee) has been ruled out for the Orlando game. Carmelo Anthony (groin) is questionable, but told a local radio show Tuesday that he'll play "for sure."