Oklahoma City Thunder starting center Kendrick Perkins underwent a procedure on his left groin and will miss about six weeks, the team announced Tuesday.

Thunder center Kendrick Perkins is expected to be out six weeks after having surgery on his left groin. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Perkins was injured during the third quarter of Oklahoma City's loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday night and missed the Thunder's 125-117 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Perkins has averaged 3.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 54 starts. He has missed three games, including two for personal reasons in December.

The Western Conference leading Thunder (43-14) are 0-3 this season with Perkins out of the lineup.

Rookie Steven Adams made his third career start in Perkins' place Sunday. He had one point, six rebounds, one block and one turnover in 16 minutes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.