NEW YORK (REUTERS) — Philadelphia 76ers Allen Iverson will miss the rest of the NBA regular season because of cartilage damage to his right knee.

The all-star guard could possibly return for the playoffs should the 76ers qualify for the post-season but, according to ESPN.com on Tuesday, Iverson will need to rest his knee for two to six weeks.

The chances of Philadelphia reaching the post-season, however, continue to fade. The team is 10th in the Eastern Conference, three games back of the eighth-placed Boston Celtics, who currently occupy the final playoff berth. Eight games remain on the schedule, including Tuesday’s clash with the Golden State Warriors.

The injury is the latest setback in what has been another turbulent season for the gifted but controversial five-time all-star.

Plagued by injuries, Iverson has played just 48 games, but remains second in league scoring, averaging 26.4 points per game.

He also had a strained relationship with 76ers rookie coach Chris Ford, refusing to come on as substitute earlier this month when told he would not start.