Wizards' Mahinmi expected to miss 4-6 weeks after undergoing knee surgery

The Washington Wizards will begin the season without Ian Mahinmi.

The center is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing knee surgery, the team announced Saturday.

Mahinmi suffered a partially torn medial meniscus in his left knee during Thursday's preseason contest against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 29-year-old big man inked a four-year deal worth $64 million with Washington this summer after averaging career highs in points (9.3), rebounds (7.1), and blocks (1.1) last year with the Indiana Pacers.

He was slated to back up Marcin Gortat at the five-spot. Andrew Nicholson, Jason Smith, and Johnny O'Bryant will likely compete for those minutes in his stead.