Metta World Peace Ready to Return Tuesday

Harry How/Getty Images(EL SEGUNDO, Calif.) -- After having knee surgery less than two weeks ago, Lakers forward Metta World Peace says he will be ready to play Tuesday when the Lakers take on the New Orleans Hornets.

The doctors originally said it would take World Peace six weeks to return, but after participating in a three-on-three at Lakers' practice Monday, head coach Mike D'Antoni says World Peace has an 80 or 90 percent chance of playing Tuesday.

"He says he's ready," D'Antoni said at Monday's practice. "He said he was ready three days ago so he's more than ready now. But again, we'll see how he reacts to this [practice] and tomorrow morning he'll go through some more tests. If he passes those he'll play."

World Peace was injured in the Lakers' 109-103 loss to Golden State on March 25.

“It’s still extremely impressive,” teammate Kobe Bryant said of World Peace's recovery. “I call him Logan now. He’s Wolverine…Honestly, you have to be really disciplined and take care of yourself from the beginning. It’s one thing to have an injury and then try to catch up. But when you’re already there and already taking care of yourself, it makes recovery that much faster.”

World Peace has averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game this season.

The Lakers (40-37) are currently a half-game behind the Jazz (41-37) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

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76ers Lose Bynum for Season

NBA Via Philadelphia 76ers (PHILADELPHIA) -- It will be at least another season before Andrew Bynum plays an NBA game for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 25-year-old's season is officially over after it was announced Bynum would have arthroscopic surgery on both knees Tuesday. Bynum, who was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the 76ers in August, has been dealing with knee issues all season and hasn't played a single game.

"After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point," Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo said. "We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward."

Bynum, who won two NBA titles with the Lakers, will earn $16.5 million this season.

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Athletics Closer Grant Balfour has Knee Surgery

Robert Binder/MLB Photos via Getty Images(PHOENIX) -- Oakland Athletics closer Grant Balfour had successful right knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus Thursday.

The rehabilitation is expected to last four to six weeks leaving Balfour hopeful he can be ready for the start of the regular season.

"I feel good about getting it done now," Balfour said. "It will allow me to get ready for Game 1 of the season. I knew the way I was feeling I wouldn't have been able to pitch through it all season long."

Athletics skipper Bob Melvin said Balfour had experienced soreness in the knee at the end of last season, but the pain had subsided in the offseason. Balfour felt pain before his bullpen session on Wednesday, prompting the A's to send him for an MRI that exposed the tear.

The 35-year-old Balfour compiled 24 saves to go along with a 2.53 ERA and a .92 WHIP last season.

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Adrian Peterson Wins NFL MVP

Scott Halleran/Getty Images(NEW ORLEANS) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson won the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player Award Saturday night in New Orleans.

Peterson, who had major knee surgery a little over a year ago, rushed for 2,097 yards, nine yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single season record. Peterson also had 12 rushing touchdowns and 40 receptions.

Peterson received 30 1/2 votes from a panel of 50 media members to win his first MVP. The other 19/12 votes went to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning who was looking to win his fifth MVP.

Not only did Peterson have an amazing indivdual season, but his team did well too. The Vikings finished the season with a 10-6 record after winning only three games in 2011.

Peterson becomes the first running back since Ladanian Tomlinson in 2006, to win the MVP.

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Nowitzki Practices for First Time Since Knee Surgery

NBA/Dallas Mavericks(DALLAS) -- Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki participated in a full team practice Wednesday, for the first time since having knee surgery last October.

While there is no definite date set for the 11-time All-Star's return, he is hoping to be back sometime around Christmas.

“We’ll just see how it goes,” Nowitzki said. “This is the first day stopping, pushing off, moving. We’ll see how it reacts. I’m going to do that a couple times and do some contact for a while. Maybe any time after Christmas, that’ll be fun."

The 34-year-old 2006-07 MVP has averaged 22.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during his 14 NBA seasons.

The Mavericks currently have a record of 12-13.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Joey Votto to Undergo Knee Surgery

Rich Pilling/Getty Images(CINCINNATI) -- Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will have arthroscopic surgery.

Despite the need for surgery, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty doesn't think this is too serious.

"It's a very simple procedure," Jocketty said on Fox Sports Ohio. "It takes 20 to 30 minutes. The doctor can give you better insight on exactly what the procedure is, but it's a very simple scope and repair. Probably three to four week recovery time and Joey feels very comfortable with the direction we're going in."

"He just wants to get it done with right away and get back to one-hundred percent and be ready for the last two months of the season," Jocketty added.

The injury occurred in a July 29 game versus the San Francisco Giants, but it didn't stop Votto from playing until he had a medical exam Monday night and realized the situation.

Votto is hitting .342, with 14 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .465 on-base percentage.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Orioles' Hammel to Undergo Knee Surgery

Major League Baseball(BALTIMORE) -- Baltimore Orioles pitcher Jason Hammel will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday, and is expected to miss at least a month on the field.

“Obviously, it is not what I want to do, but it is what needs to be done," Hammel said. "I can’t keep pitching on a bad leg and start doing things with my arm and hurting things there."

Hammel has been having knee pain for a couple months. It finally became too much during last Friday's game versus Detroit, and he was pulled in the fourth inning.

Hammel is having a career season. The 6-foot-6 right-hander has eight wins, 106 strikeouts and 3.54 ERA in his first season with Baltimore.

Hammel has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. Pitcher Steve Johnson was called up from Norfolk to take his place.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Wade to Miss the Olympics

Miami Heat/NBA(MIAMI) -- Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will have surgery on his left knee resulting in him missing the 2012 Olympics in London.

“As many people may know, throughout the season, I struggled with a recurring knee issue. After the championship game, I visited with my doctors for a round of comprehensive medical tests, and the recent results dictate the need for surgery," Wade said in a statement released by USA Basketball. "While every part of me wants to be in London, I need to take this time to do what’s best to improve my health and allow me to continue to play the game I love."

Wade's knee bothered him the most of the 2011-2012 season. He had to have it drained the day of Game 3 of the Heats Eastern Conference Semifinal series versus the Pacers.

With Wade out it leaves 17 players competing for the final 12 roster spots.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio