Nuggets Smith to have knee surgery

DENVER, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith was scheduled for surgery for a knee injury that will keep him out of the lineup for at least three weeks.

Smith suffered what has been diagnosed as a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee in the second quarter of Denver's game Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Team officials said he would undergo arthroscopic surgery and his expected recovery time is 3-4 weeks.

His career-best 15.4-point-per-game average is third on the Nuggets and his 39.3 percent shooting from three-point range tops the team.