Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine (knee) out 2-3 weeks
Michigan State guard Denzel Valentine will miss two to three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery for a minor injury to cartilage in his knee, reports Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press.
He sustained the injury after coming down awkwardly while attempting a layup during practice on Sunday.
ESPN’s Dana O’Neil reports Valentine’s recovery will depend on how quickly the swelling in his knee dissipates. He could miss less than two weeks if the swelling goes down quickly, but closer to three if it lingers.
Valentine has been a valuable player for the Spartans this season, averaging team-highs in minutes (30.6), points (18.5), rebounds (8.3) and assists (7.1).
Junior guard Eron Harris will start in place of Valentine during his absence, with freshman Matt McQuaid also earning more playing time in the shuffle. Harris is currently fifth on the team in minutes at 16.3 per game.
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No. 1 Michigan State (12–0) plays Oakland (7–3) on the road Tuesday.
