Anderson Varejao injury: Cavaliers' big to miss 6-8 weeks after knee surgery

Cleveland Cavaliers' big man Anderson Varejao will be out for six to eight weeks after knee surgery scheduled for this Thursday, the team announced Wednesday morning. Varejao has been out since suffering an apparent right knee contusion during a game against the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 18.

After receiving a recommendation for surgery from the franchise's head team physician, Dr. Richard Parker, a second opinion from a doctor outside the organization confirmed that advice. With confirmation of the need for surgery in hand, the Cavaliers are moving quickly in the hopes of having Varejao back well before the end of the season.

The news brings some clarity to a situation that had quickly become fairly ominous over the past few weeks, though the end result is something many had feared. Reports had previously stated that Varejao was going to practice on Tuesday, but coach Byron Scott responded with some vague, pessimistic comments to inquiries.

Scott's comments make a good deal more sense now given the recent developments though, as he was likely aware of the lack of progress that Varejao had been making before the decision to undergo surgery was made.

Varejao emerged as one of the league's most productive big men before the injury, posting per game averages of 14.1 points, 14.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 25 games. In his absence, young players like Tristan Thompson and Tyler Zeller will presumably continue to shoulder heavier loads.