DeMarre Carroll injury: Hawks forward a late scratch due to ankle injury

The Atlanta Hawks were already set to enter Monday's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans without a number of players available, but prior to tip-off, it was revealed that starting small forward DeMarre Carroll would be absent from the festivities.

As noted in our preview this morning, Carroll suffered a sprained ankle during practice on Saturday, as such, it was highly questionable as to whether he would be ready to play. Quite honestly, there was little reason to push the team's projected starter at the small forward spot with nothing on the line in the opener, and after head coach Mike Budenholzer referenced Carroll as somewhat of a game-time decision after "testing" the ankle, this isn't a surprise.

The Hawks will also be without Al Horford, Kent Bazemore and Pero Antic due to injury concerns, with Kyle Korver also out of the lineup due to the pending birth of his child. As such, the Hawks will utilize John Jenkins and Elton Brand in the starting lineup, with Thabo Sefolosha set to replace DeMarre Carroll.