Zaza Pachulia injury: Hawks center out indefinitely with Achilles injury

While Jeff Teague and Josh Smith may both return to the lineup on Friday, the news isn't as good for Atlanta Hawks reserve center Zaza Pachulia who says he is "out indefinitely" with an Achilles injury.

Zaza Pachulia says he is out indefinitely. Still waiting on full medical reports on Achilles. #ATLHawks

— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) March 15, 2013

Pachulia has sought out second and third opinions on the injury that he concedes is getting worse. He is awaiting a report from his doctors and in the meantime is continuing to receive treatment.

"Right now, I can just say that I'm out indefinitely," Pachulia told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Friday. "We are in the process of different treatments. There is no timeframe. All I can say is it is indefinite. There is no report from the doctors yet. Basically, every day matters. We are expecting it to get better. We don't know when or how soon. Hopefully the treatments will help."

Johan Petro has stepped up in Pachulia's absence and has saw increased playing time. Petro got the start and finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday's win over the Lakers. Pachulia has appeared in 52 games this season and is averaging 5.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.