11.   Even if Oakley avoids surgery, the Knicks must hope that the injury does not diminish his performance.

12.   Gadsden had hoped to avoid surgery, but the operation is expected to keep him out six to eight weeks.

13.   Guard Greg Buckner will be fitted with a brace Monday to see if he can avoid surgery and play with the apparatus, starting Tuesday against Toronto.

14.   Hasegawa said he wants to avoid surgery if at all possible but has not ruled it out.

15.   He also suggested a program of physical therapy that could avoid surgery, and offered to supervise the care.

16.   He avoided surgery then, and he does not want to consider that option now.

17.   He has been advised by several people, including former catcher Gary Carter, who had several surgeries, to avoid surgery, no matter the severity.

18.   He has followed the program ever since and has avoided surgery.

19.   He will try to avoid surgery through a weight training regimen, similar to the course taken last summer by Ramon Martinez.

20.   If surgery can be avoided, Oakley will be fitted with a mask that may allow him to return for the playoffs, which start next week.