Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker will have surgery Wednesday in New York to repair a torn lateral meniscus causing inflammation in his left knee.

The procedure could cause Walker to miss six weeks or more of the season.

The ex-UConn All-American traveled to New York on Monday to get a second opinion on the injury before deciding how to proceed. That examination confirmed the need to remove a cyst, which he has had since high school.

Walker, known for his durability, has missed three of the Hornets' past five games.

He is the Hornets' leader in points (18.8 per game), assists (5.2) and steals (1.4). Coach Steve Clifford said Monday morning it would be a significant hit if Walker misses considerable time.

"He's been by far our best player," Clifford said. "Look at the Cavs without LeBron (James) or (Thunder) without (Kevin) Durant. In basketball, you have only five guys playing. It always starts at the top of your roster.

"But if we continue to defend, rebound as we have, not turn the ball over and improve our pace of play, to me we have more than enough to keep playing well."

The Hornets (19-26) have won nine of their past 11 games and passed the Brooklyn Nets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the last playoff spot.

In Walker's absence, the Hornets start Brian Roberts. Third-string point guard Jannero Pargo is recovering from a sore lower back and shooting guard Gary Neal has filled in some at the point.

Clifford said it's possible, if Walker were to miss considerable time, that the Hornets might sign another point guard. That would require the team to cut another player unless the NBA granted the Hornets an exception for a 16th roster spot.

In other injury news, the Hornets said center Bismack Biyombo will miss at least 10 days after suffering a bone bruise on his right knee Saturday. Also, power forward Marvin Williams suffered a concussion and a broken nose Saturday.

With Biyombo out, center Al Jefferson moves back into the starting lineup. He will be backed up by Jason Maxiell.

Maxiell will also back up Cody Zeller at power forward. Clifford said it's possible Noah Vonleh, who has played sparingly his rookie season, will get more minutes as a result of Williams' injury.