The Hawks are inching closer to health — as much as they can after three season-ending surgeries.
Pero Antic, who missed the past 16 games with a stress fracture in his right ankle, dressed and was available for Sunday night’s game against the Suns. However, coach Mike Budenholzer indicated that Antic most likely would not play. At this point, just having the center available is a step in the right direction. He recently participated in five-on-five half-court scrimmages.
Paul Millsap, the Hawks’ other injured big man, did not play Sunday. The power forward stepped up his recent workouts before the game, the fourth game he has missed with a bruised right knee. He rode the exercise bicycle and then did an on-court workout with assistant coaches.
“Better, a lot better,” Millsap said when asked how he was feeling.
Mike Scott got his second start of the season at power forward.
Cheering section: Mike Muscala, the second-round pick, was available Sunday after the buyout of his contract with his Spanish League team. The 6-foot-11 center will become the first player from Bucknell to play in an NBA regular-season game when he makes his first appearance.
Muscala’s father, aunt and several of his friends made the trip to Phoenix. Muscala’s uncle had a heart transplant in Phoenix several days ago, and the family was also able to be by his side.
Budenholzer homecoming: Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, a native of Holbrook, Ariz., had a significant cheering section as well.
“The sisters stayed close to home, so my mom and dad and sisters will be here with their husbands and kids,” Budenholzer said. “There is going to be a pretty big family-and-friends section.”
Nogueira returns: Lucas Nogueira, the Hawks' first-round draft pick, returned to action for his Spanish League team Sunday. The center had eight points, of 4-of-4 shooting, and five rebounds in 14 minutes as Asefa Estudiantes Madrid defeated Bilboa Basket 86-80.
Nogueira, who did not start, had not played since Dec. 7. He left the team and spent 10 weeks in the United States, in Los Angeles and Atlanta, rehabbing from a diagnosis of severe tendinitis in both knees. In Atlanta, he worked with Peachtree Orthopaedics Clinic, the same facility used by the Hawks.
The Hawks selected Nogueira with the 16th overall pick in 2013. He signed to play another season in Spain’s ACB League to continue his development and add muscle to his 225-pound frame.
Estudiantes is next scheduled to play March 8.
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