Milwaukee Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak's decision to shake up his starting lineup received an unexpected and unwanted push.

The team announced Friday that forward Desmond Mason will undergo thumb surgery on Saturday and will be lost for six to eight weeks.

Mason, who has started every game for the Bucks (10-15), tore a ligament in his left thumb in the first half of Wednesday night's loss to the Sacramento Kings at the Bradley Center.

Mason, who is averaging 8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per game, has been a part of Krystkowiak's regular starting five that includes rookie forward Yi Jianlian, center Andrew Bogut and guards Michael Redd and Mo Williams.

After the loss to the Kings, Krystkowiak said he was contemplating a lineup change to improve the team's defense and energy at the start of games.

Krystkowiak, whose team plays host to Charlotte Saturday night, has several options without Mason.

Krystkowiak could start Charlie Bell, the Bucks' best on-ball defender who is often used to cover small forwards and guards. He also could insert Bobby Simmons, who has been Mason's primary substitute this season.

Or Krystkowiak could shift Redd to small forward and move reserve Royal Ivey into the backcourt. That would allow the Bucks to bring both Bell and Simmons off the bench, which has often lacked firepower this season.