hunder forward Serge Ibaka could miss the rest of the season after having an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee Tuesday.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Ibaka will be out four to six weeks. The playoffs begin April 18.
Presti said the procedure shaved off damaged cartilage from under Ibaka's kneecap that had caused discomfort and swelling. Ibaka started having issues in late February, but he played until missing the past three games. He had averaged 17.1 points and 9.4 rebounds since the All-Star break and was shooting 55 percent.
That may just give the Pelicans the edge in nabbing that eighth spot.