Tiago Splitter injury: Surgery is an option for Hawks center

Tiago Splitter is not with the Atlanta Hawks for tonight's game in Chicago and remains out with a right hip injury. Splitter sought a second opinion on the hip on Monday according to a report by Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. That examination brought forth several possibilities for treatment including the possibility of surgery. Mike Budenholzer told the AJC that they had not yet settled on which course of action they would take.

"We are still gathering the information and trying to figure out the best course of action," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said Wednesday."

Tonight's game will be the sixth straight Splitter has missed. The same hip soreness cost him seven games earlier this season. Splitter has appeared in just 36 games this season and is averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game this season. Mike Muscala has assumed the majority of playing time behind starter Al Horford in Splitter's absence.

The Hawks acquired Splitter during the offseason in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. He is signed through next season when he will make $8.25 million.