TORONTO -- Vince Carter is not ready to play yet, and there is no timetable for his return to the Toronto Raptors' lineup.

Carter received a second opinion on his injured right knee from orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, who agreed the star guard is not healthy enough to play.

Team doctor Doug Richards issued a statement Wednesday, saying a small portion of the tendon in Carter's right knee separated from his kneecap in December, and that he will continue to be evaluated periodically until he is strong enough to return.

"While it is normal for someone in his situation to feel fine and able to perform, we will clear Vince to return to play only when we believe that the extent of healing present will give his bone-tendon junction sufficient strength to withstand the forces of basketball with an acceptably low risk of re-injury,'' the release said.

Carter missed his 19th straight game -- 29th overall this season -- against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

"This has been a difficult time for me,'' Carter said in a statement. "I want to be on the floor, for both my teammates and the fans.''

There was speculation he would play last Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers after practicing twice earlier in the week. But just before the game started, the Raptors' medical staff told him they would not clear him to play.