Thunder's Thabo Sefolosha (calf strain) out 4 to 6 weeks

Thabo Sefolosha has started 55 of Oklahoma City's 59 games this season. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Sport) Thunder GM Sam Presti told reporters on Sunday

Thabo Sefolosha has started 55 of Oklahoma City's 59 games this season. (Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images Sport)

Thunder GM Sam Presti told reporters on Sunday that guard Thabo Sefolosha will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a left calf strain, according to the Associated Press.

A four-week timeline would sideline Sefolosha for Oklahoma City's next 14 games. A six-week absence would cause him to miss 21 games and place his return date in the final week of the regular season.

The 29-year-old Swiss guard has averaged 6.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 26.4 minutes per game over 55 starts for the Thunder this season. Sefolosha was forced from action during the first quarter of Oklahoma City's 113-107 home victory over Memphis on Friday, departing with two points (on 1-for-1 shooting), two rebounds and one assist.

Sefolosha will join fellow starter Kendrick Perkins on the inactive list, as Oklahoma City's center is out for up to six weeks after undergoing surgery to address a left groin strain last week.

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Perry Jones, a 2012 first-round pick, is expected to step into Sefolosha's starting spot, alongside Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Steven Adams. That move allows second-year guard Jeremy Lamb to remain in his sixth man role and gives coach Scott Brooks an extraordinarily long and athletic wing combination.

During Sefolosha's absence, Oklahoma City can also turn to veteran forward Caron Butler, who was recently signed after reaching a buyout with Milwaukee.

following the All-Star break