Hawks’ Williams won’t need back surgery

Hawks forward Marvin Williams will not undergo surgery on his injured lower back and could play again this season.

Williams said he will undergo weeks of intensive rehabilitation after being examined by specialists at Duke University Wednesday. He wants to return before the Hawks wrap up the regular season April 15.

“It’s going to be anywhere from four to six weeks,” Williams told the Journal-Constitution Thursday. “I’m going to dive into this treatment, make sure I get good rest and hopefully get back out there.”

Williams said specialists recommended he take the “conservative” approach and opt for treatment and rehabilitation over surgery.

Williams is listed officially as being out indefinitely and the team issued no update on his condition Thursday.

Williams was injured in Saturday’s win over Detroit and has missed the Hawks’ last two games.

The Hawks resume action Friday against Indiana, continuing their seven-game home stand. They’ve won three straight games overall and four straight at home.