Williams won’t miss extended time with injury

So much for Marvin Williams missing extended time with that sprained left thumb injury.

The Hawks’ starting small forward was on the practice floor Tuesday morning, the day after having the thumb on his non-shooting hand stretched too far in a victory over Charlotte.

Hawks coach Mike Woodson said Williams will not suit up for the exhibition game against Phoenix Wednesday at Philips Arena, but he said the decision is a precautionary measure only.

“He practiced today and did the conditioning work,” Woodson said. “He didn’t do a lot of contact work. But he shot and did everything else. As for his status, he’s day-to-day. We’ll keep an eye on him, see how he progresses and make sure he’s fit before we put him back out there.”

Williams had a cumbersome wrap on his left hand Tuesday, complete with the tape connecting his thumb and index finger to keep the entire thing immobilized.

The throbbing pain he had after the game has already subsided, Williams said, giving way to a general soreness that the Hawks’ athletic training staff explained to him might last the next few weeks.

But Williams agreed with Woodson in that he doesn’t expect to be sidelined for long.

“I don’t think so at all,” said Williams, who broke a bone in his shooting hand two years ago and missed 17 games. “When I first did it, I can’t lie, it hurt so bad. I was like good grief. But it’s a lot better now. I can’t shoot, no problem. I can catch the ball. Dribbling is a little tricky right now. Other than that, it’s going to be a few days to adjust to things.

“The only bad thing is this is the time in the preseason when we’re starting to gear up. You hate to miss any of that time. That’s why I’ll do as much as possible until I can get back out there full time.”