Jason Collins Injury: Hawks Center Unlikely To Play On Road Trip

by Kris Willis on Feb 14, 2012 11:27 PM EST

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 10: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls lands on top of Jason Collins #34 of the Atlanta Hawks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on May 10, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 95-83. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Injured Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collins is with the team as they open a five-game road trip in Los Angeles on Tuesday night. However, although Collins' elbow is starting to feel better, he is unlikely to play on the trip. That likely will mean a second 10-day contract for center Erick Dampier.

Dampier got early playing time in Atlanta's Tuesday night matchup against the Lakers. Atlanta struggled to try and match the size of Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol so Larry Drew turned to Dampier midway through the first quarter. Atlanta can sign Dampier to two consecutive 10-day contracts before having to offer him a deal for the remainder of the season.

Collins told beat writer Michael Cunningham before the game that his elbow was improving and that he had a scheduled checkup with his doctor scheduled for Wednesday.

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