Payne landed elbow to Antic

Rookie Adriean Payne landed the accidental elbow that broke the nose of Pero Antic last week during training camp. The culprit had previously been unidentified.

Antic has been out since last Thursday when he took the blow during camp at the University of Georgia. The next day Antic had surgery to repair the damage and has been out since. The forward/center, who sported two black eyes after the encounter, worked on the side with trainers during Wednesday’s practice.

Antic will be fitted for a protective mask that he will wear, at least initially, upon his return. There is no timetable for when he will get back on the court. Antic has remained in good spirits during the recovery.