Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports that the Nets will be without Dikembe Mutombo for the next 3-4 months. An MRI and consultation with a hand specialist confirmed that Mutombo needs surgery on his right wrist.

"The specialist said that the gap in the tendon was so wide there was no other alternative," Nets coach Byron Scott said. "I know he is disappointed ? he wanted to rest it and see what would happen. But now it is better to have it as soon as possible and hopefully he will be back for the playoffs."

Mutombo is scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. Scott estimated that he will need eight weeks in a cast followed by another four to eight weeks to get back into playing form. Mutombo wanted to wait and see if the wrist would heal on it?s own.

"I don't like surgery," Mutombo said before seeing the doctor. "I am uncomfortable with the idea of surgery."

That?s not the only bad news for the Nets following their homecoming from a lackluster west coast road trip. After the morning workout, the Nets put guard Kerry Kittles on the injured list. He sprained his right knee and will miss at least five games under NBArules. Kittles averaged 12.6 points, 3.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds in the 99 consecutive games he played before sitting down with the injury Sunday.

"We have to pull together," said JasonCollins, who has filled in for Mutombo the past three games. "He has taught me a lot this season ? just talking to him ? and I know he will come back. As a team we are just going to have to pull together more and get through this."