Wednesday 31 October 2018 07:09, UK
Kevin Love hopes to avoid surgery on his injured toe but the Cleveland Cavaliers forward is frustrated his absence will be measured in weeks rather than days.
Love initially suffered the injury in pre-season against the Boston Celtics but was able to battle through the pain barrier and play in the first four games of the season before being forced to sit.
The five-time All Star has been in a walking boot since the weekend, having been told the big toe on his left foot needs to "calm down" before he even tries to return to work.
Speaking before the Cavaliers beat the Atlanta Hawks 136-114 to record their first win of the season, Love said: "The only way I'm going to be best for this team is to be healthy, and I haven't been the last month.
"I haven't heard anything like [surgery]. I don't know that for a fact.
"I'm not sure because the doctors are going back and forth. I'm hoping that's the case. I would like to get back obviously as soon as possible.
"I had high hopes for the season, I know it's been off to a really rocky start, but the more I can be out there and help this team the better. I'm hoping to get out there as quickly as possible and hoping that it's only two or three weeks."
Love averaged 19 points and 13.5 rebounds in his four games, but was only hitting a career low 32.3 per cent of his shots from the floor and only managed to hit seven three-pointers.
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