OAKLAND, Calif. - The Golden State Warriors say centre Andris Biedrins will need to undergo surgery to repair a small tear of an abdominal muscle.

Biedrins was examined Monday by a specialist in Philadelphia who confirmed that he had a sports hernia and the muscle tear. Biedrins will undergo surgery Tuesday. The prognosis for his recovery will be determined after the operation.

Biedrins is averaging 5.0 points and 7.8 rebounds in 33 games this season. If he does not return this season, his 16 per cent free throw shooting (4-for-25) would be the worst in NBA history for a player with at least 20 attempts.

The previous low is held by Boston's Garfield Smith. Smith made 6-of-31 attempts for 19.4 per cent in 1971-72.