Updated

TORONTO (Reuters) - The struggling Toronto Raptors will be without forward Linas Kleiza for the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery on his right knee, the NBA team said on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Kleiza underwent arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to repair a meniscal tear and chondral defect, the Raptors said in a statement.

His recovery time is expected to be nine to 12 months.

Kleiza, who has not played since January 21, averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 39 games, including 23 starts, for the Raptors.

Toronto (13-37) has lost 13 straight games and own the second-worst record in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina. Editing by Frank Pingue; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)