Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins underwent surgery on his left groin and is expected to miss roughly six weeks, according to ESPN. The injury occurred in the third quarter of the Thunder's loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday, February 20.
Kendrick Perkins injury: Groin surgery sidelines Thunder center 6 weeks
The Thunder will be without their starting center until close to the end of the season.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Perkins is averaging 3.4 points and 5 rebounds per game for the Thunder, his lowest averages since joining the franchise. His playing time has also decreased, as he is playing just 19.7 minutes per game this season.
Welcome to Loud City: Perkins out six weeks
Rookie center Steven Adams is expected to start for the Thunder while Perkins is sidelined. Adams, the 12th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, has been one of reasons Perkins' playing time has diminished this season. He's averaging 3.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game.
The Thunder currently lead the Western Conference, holding on to a two-and-a-half game lead over the San Antonio Spurs. A six-week timetable means Perkins could be out until Apr. 8, leaving just a handful of games until the regular season ends. Oklahoma City's last game is on Apr. 16.
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