Updated

Oklahoma City, OK (SportsNetwork.com) - Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins underwent surgery on his left groin on Tuesday.

He is expected to miss approximately six weeks, which would keep him sidelined for almost the remainder of the regular season.

Perkins sustained the injury when he got tangled with Miami forward Shane Battier during OKC's loss to the Heat last Thursday. An MRI exam confirmed that Perkins suffered a left groin strain.

The 11-year pro, who won a championship with the Celtics in 2008, has averaged 3.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 54 games for the Thunder this season.

Rookie Steven Adams started on Sunday against the Clippers and should remain in that role during Perkins' absence. The 20-year old New Zealand native, who was drafted 12th overall out of Pittsburgh, is averaging 3.2 points and 4.2 boards.