FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2017, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, in Washington. Love will be out at least six weeks following left knee surgery. Love had the operation on his left knee on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)
FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2017, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) leaves the court after an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, in Washington. Love will be out at least six weeks following left knee surgery. Love had the operation on his left knee on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, in New York. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) Credit: Nick Wass

Cleveland — Kevin Love won’t be able to help the Cavaliers down the stretch this season.

The All-Star forward will miss at least six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Tuesday, a blow to the defending NBA champions as they try to lock up the top seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Love, who is having his best season with Cleveland, had a “loose body” removed from his knee by orthopedic surgeon David Altchek in New York, the Cavs said. Altchek surgically repaired Love’s shoulder during the 2015 playoffs.

The Cavs said Love will be sidelined approximately six weeks, which would have him returning by April 1. The playoffs start later that month.

Oakley’s MSG Ban Lifted

New York — Charles Oakley is allowed back in Madison Square Garden, though the former New York Knicks star says he wants an apology before he would return.

MSG chairman James Dolan banned Oakley last week, two days after the former power forward had an altercation with security guards while attending a game and was arrested.

But the sides reconciled, helped by a meeting on Monday at NBA headquarters with Commissioner Adam Silver, with Hall of Famer Michael Jordan participating in by phone. Jordan and Oakley were teammates in Chicago before Oakley was traded to New York, where he became a fan favorite with the Knicks from 1988-98.

Dolan then decided Oakley is welcome back at the arena, a person briefed on the discussions told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Raptors, Magic Make Trade

Orlando, Fla. — Toronto and Orlando finalized a trade that sends Serge Ibaka to the Raptors for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.

Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan said Tuesday evening the trade of Ibaka for Ross was necessary for the Magic in hopes of salvaging a season that has gone drastically off course.

Ibaka averaged 15.1 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Magic this season.

Ross averaged 10.4 points and 2.6 rebounds with the Raptors.

Tuesday’s Games

Cavaliers 116, Wolves 108

Minneapolis — LeBron James had 25 points, 14 assists and eight rebounds to turn back a charge from Andrew Wiggins and help Cleveland over Minnesota.

Wiggins scored 41 points against the team that drafted him and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 26 for the Wolves, who finished a six-game homestand at 2-4. The Wolves allowed Cleveland to shoot 51 percent and hit 13 3s.

Chicago 105, Toronto 94

Chicago — Doug McDermott scored 20 points, All-Star Jimmy Butler had 19 points and 12 assists in his return to the lineup, and the Bulls continued their mastery over Toronto.

Taj Gibson had 14 points and Rajon Rondo added 12 to help the Bulls beat the Raptors for the 11th straight time. Toronto’s last win in the series was Dec. 31, 2013.

Chicago led by as many as 23 points and never trailed in the final three quarters to snap a three-game skid.