Mike Muscala exits season opener with sprained right ankle

The result on the scoreboard was less than ideal for the Atlanta Hawks in a season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons, and the team did not emerge scot-free in the injury department, either. Backup big man Mike Muscala exited the game after a hard foul with approximately ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, and according to a team announcement, he was sidelined with a right ankle sprain.

The organization has not expanded on that diagnosis to this point, except in revealing that Muscala would not return to action on Tuesday evening. When he exited, the former Bucknell star had yet to score in nine minutes of action, though he grabbed a rebound during his time on the floor.

For what it is worth, Muscala appeared before Mike Scott in the rotation on this particular evening, perhaps illustrating some background on the position battle that has been occurring throughout the preseason. We will bring you details as they become available, but given that "Moose" had to be helped to the locker room, he could be out for some time. Stay tuned.