Injured NBA All-Star Kevin Love is watching his Cleveland Cavaliers fight for the top seeding in the suddenly competitive Eastern Conference, but he expects to return soon.

Love underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee last week, leaving him sidelined for at least six weeks.

However, the 28-year-old expects to join the Cavs by at least the start of the postseason.

"There's definitely enough time to where I can get into a good rhythm," Love said.

"I don't know what the [plan is] as far as other guys resting or me resting going forward, but I imagine between J.R. [Smith] and myself, we'll get out there and get our wind and be ready to go for whenever [the playoffs start] in April."

J.R. Smith is recovering from surgery on the thumb of his shooting hand, and is expected back in the Cavs' line-up sometime in March.

Love was averaging a double-double before his injury.

"Every time I've been in a situation like this, usually when they say six weeks, they mean six weeks," Love said.

"As far as how I feel now, I feel great. But I'll go through all the protocol. I'll be back here on the floor, getting the stitches out, before that, getting the swelling down. It's all just part of going through it."

Cleveland are currently three-and-a-half games ahead of the Boston Celtics for top spot in east. After a tricky spell in January, the Cavaliers have won 10 of their last 12 games.

The Cavaliers will play host to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday to maintain momentum.