Pero Antic will miss a second straight game with a left ankle sprain.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer ruled the reserve center out for Monday’s game against the Kings. Antic was injured in the second quarter of Friday’s game against the Cavaliers. He did not play in Saturday’s game against the 76ers.
“He twisted his ankle the other night and he’s not capable or ready to go,” Budenholzer said.
The coach did not offer a further timetable for Antic’s return.
Elton Brand will step into the rotation in place of Antic as the first center off the bench. Brand will give the Hawks a post defense presence against the Kings’ center DeMarcus Cousins.
“Elton is a great post defender,” Budenholzer said. “It’s one of those nights where you might want to put him out there anyway. DeMarcus Cousins is such a handful and such a load that you need, probably, eight centers to try to guard him and stop him. There was a good chance Elton would have played anyway.”
The Hawks will return to their normal starting lineup of Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Al Horford. Korver, Carroll and Millsap rested in Saturday’s loss to the 76ers.
About the Author
