Pero Antic injury: Hawks center out against Celtics

Earlier in the night, it was revealed that backup guard Lou Williams would be probable to suit up for the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics, but unfortunately, that wasn't the only injury update of the day. Starting center Pero Antic was scratched from the lineup just before tip-off, and the reason listed was a sore right ankle.

In Pero's stead, the Hawks will deploy Elton Brand at the center spot, but Antic's absence is a significant one in that it restricts Atlanta's ability to stretch the Boston defense with 3-point shooting from all five spots. On Tuesday night, Antic played 28 minutes and scored 13 points while grabbing 9 rebounds, but he struggled with his jump shot to the tune of a 4-for-13 shooting night.

News like this just moments before tip-off won't do much to quell "tanking" talk for the Hawks, but with this game against Boston serving as a virtual must-win, all eyes will be on guys like Elton Brand and Mike Muscala as they attempt to fill in for Antic.