The Celtics announced that Irving will undergo a procedure this weekend to remove two screws implanted in his left patella. He is expected to make a full recovery in 4-5 months, the team said.
Irving, who has been out since March 11, was averaging 24.4 points, 5.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds in his first season in Boston.
Terry Rozier, a second-year guard from Louisville, has been starting at point guard without Irving. He's averaging 11.4 points, 2.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game in 77 games this season.
Irving, who suffered a patella fracture in the 2015 NBA Finals, had a procedure to remove a tension wire in his knee late last month after experiencing increasing discomfort. The projected timeline at that juncture for his return was between three and six weeks.
Following that procedure, doctors detected a bacterial infection around the hardware. The Celtics said removing the screws will ensure that no infection remains in the knee.
Boston will be entering the postseason minus the backcourt of Irving and Gordon Hayward, who suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia against Cleveland on opening night.
