The Hawks received the worst possible news on the injury to Al Horford when test results revealed a complete tear of his right pectoral muscle Friday, according to a team source. Horford was examined Friday afternoon after suffering the injury in Thursday’s game against the Cavaliers.
Horford left with 1:35 remaining in the first overtime with what was initially called a right shoulder injury. Horford, who missed all but 11 games during the 2011-12 season with a left torn pectoral muscle, was injured when he got tangled with the Cavaliers’ Anderson Varejao. Horford was not available to speak following the game.
The center did not take part in practice to go off-site for an appointment with Hawks team physicians.
Coach Mike Budenholzer had no new information earlier Friday as the team prepared to play the Bobcats Saturday. The coach did say adjustments will be made. The Hawks also lost starter DeMarre Carroll with a right thumb injury in the fourth quarter.
“The idea is we have a goal and a system that we play and we trust,” Budenholzer said. “Obviously, Al is one of our best players and invaluable to us but there won’t be a huge, significant change and that we will have a comfort level defensively and offensively. It doesn’t matter who is there. As best as possible, we’ll be able to function without Al.”
Carroll was injured when he got tangled with Tyler Zeller fighting through a screen. His thumb was taped following the game.
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