Reigning MVP Bryce Cotton faces a race against time to be fit for the NBL semi-finals after having surgery to relieve pressure from a haematoma in his left quadriceps.
The Perth Wildcats guard underwent the procedure on Sunday night and has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.
Cotton suffered the injury in the Wildcats' loss to Brisbane on May 19 but felt no major discomfort and played two days later in a win over Cairns.
He missed Sunday's win over Adelaide with what the Wildcats said was unrelated groin soreness.
"On Saturday, Cotton began to experience pain and swelling in the area before an ultrasound revealed bleeding in his lateral quadriceps," the Wildcats said in a statement.
"Yesterday, an MRI further revealed the extent of the bleeding and the decision was made for him to undergo a surgical procedure to relieve the pressure and remove the blood.
"The successful procedure took place last night and the reigning NBL MVP is in good spirits today.
"Bryce Cotton's health remains the club's priority, and he will be re-evaluated in two weeks ahead of the Perth Wildcats first semi-final game."
The Wildcats have already locked in a 35th consecutive finals appearance as they chase a third-straight NBL championship.
Trevor Gleeson's men round out the regular season with games against Sydney (home), Illawarra (away) and first-placed Melbourne United (home).
