Kendrick Perkins out up up six weeks with groin strain

The Thunder got their starting lineup back for the first time in weeks against the Heat.

But they only got to have it for a half, as Kendrick Perkins will miss up to six weeks after having a successful procedure on a strained left groin, the team announced Tuesday.

Perkins was injured early in the third quarter while setting a screen. He immediately exited the game and did not return.

The Thunder started rookie Steven Adams in his place against the Clippers on Sunday and will likely stick with him as the starter until Perk returns. Adams has shown flashes of being a stellar big man, but he’s raw and inexperienced.

The six week timetable puts Perk returning right at the end of the regular season. A little scary, but it’s also a big opportunity for Adams.

The Thunder are 0-3 in games this season without Perk.