WASHINGTON (REUTERS) — Michael Jordan will have surgery on his right knee this week, the Washington Wizards said Tuesday, raising concerns he may be sidelined for the rest of the season and putting their fading playoff hopes in jeopardy.

“This is the best course of action for Michael at this time,” general manager Wes Unseld said on the Wizards’ official website. “This is the best way for our doctors to determine exactly what is wrong with his knee.”

The arthroscopic surgery will be performed later this week by team physician Dr. Stephen Haas in Washington, D.C. It will be the first time Jordan has had knee surgery in his career.

Jordan will sit out at least five games, starting with Washington’s match against the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday. But team officials said they won’t know exactly how long he will be missing until after the exploratory surgery.

Jordan, who has played an average of almost 37 minutes a game for the Wizards, had his knee drained for the fourth time this season before Sunday’s 12-point loss to the Miami Heat.

Wizards’ coach Doug Collins said Jordan was more concerned about the knee after it became swollen on the plane home from the game.

Team officials have speculated an underlying arthritic condition is contributing to the injury.

Jordan became minority owner and president of the Wizards two years ago and has made a spectacular return to the court this season. But many questioned whether the 39-year-old could last an entire season.

Without a healthy Jordan in the lineup, Washington has reverted to their familiar ways, losing their last five games.

Last season Washington, without Jordan, stumbled to only 19 wins. With Jordan skippering the team, the Wizards have 27 wins.

Jordan’s knee was questionable when he first made his comeback attempt, but it did not slow him down until after the All-Star break.