The Hawks have lost another center.
The latest injury will cost Pero Antic two to four weeks after the big man was diagnosed with a stress fracture of his right ankle. Antic started the eight of the 12 games at center since the Hawks lost Al Horford for the season with a torn right pectoral muscle.
An MRI and examination Thursday by Dr. Ashok Reddy at Peachtree Orthopaedics in Atlanta revealed the stress fracture. Antic will be placed in a protective walking boot.
According to the Hawks, Antic suffered a mild right ankle sprain against the Nets in London last week. X-rays taken following the game were negative and he played the next two games, including Wednesday’s win over the Magic in which he made four critcial free throws in the final seconds to seal the victory. Antic was examined again Thursday and tests revealed the extent of the injury.
Antic had 11 points and five rebounds against the Nets. He followed that with a season-high 17 points and six rebounds in a win over the Heat Monday. Antic also had season-bests with seven field goals made and 10 field goals attempted. The 6-foot-11 Antic had 10 points and 12 rebounds against the Magic.
The 31-year-old rookie is averaging 5.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 15.6 minutes in 29 games.
The Hawks host the Spurs Friday and the team will turn to either Elton Brand, who started the first three games after the injury to Horford, or little-used Gustavo Ayon at center. Ayon has not played in seven of the past nine games.
The Hawks could also be without DeMarre Carroll. The forward is listed as day-to-day with a mild left hamstring strain. He left Wednesday’s game against the Magic in the third quarter with what was termed as hamstring irritation. Carroll received treatment and saw Dr. Reddy Thursday.
Carroll told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following the game that he did not expect to miss any time.
