Mike Muscala Injury: Updates on Hawks Center's Ankle and Return

Atlanta Hawks center Mike Muscala suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday night's 100-94 season-opening loss against the Detroit Pistons. 

Continue for updates.

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Muscala Tweaks Ankle

Tuesday, Oct. 27         

According to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Muscala sat out the rest of Tuesday night's game because of a sprained right ankle. 

No timetable for a possible return has been disclosed. 

SB Nation's Justin Russo has a replay of the incident:

Muscala logged eight minutes in the season opener as a backup to Al Horford. He attempted just one shot on the night but posted a plus-five point differential in the Hawks' loss. 

At 6'11", Muscala adds size and physicality to Atlanta's bench in his third year in the league—something that seems appealing to head coach Mike Budenholzer, per Vivlamore:

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When the Hawks acquired Tiago Splitter in the offseason there were questions as to whether they would use a big lineup at times. That would include Paul Millsap at the small forward, Al Horford at power forward and Splitter at center. The Hawks have indeed used the lineup several times this preseason. They did it again against the Heat Sunday, even with Splitter resting, as they started the second quarter with Millsap, Horford and Mike Muscala on the floor at the same time. While it’s just preseason and this is the time to experiment, the big lineup may be part of the scheme.

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Splitter, who came over from the San Antonio Spurs, logged just under 17 minutes in his Atlanta debut, and he will have to carry a slightly heavier load if Muscala misses an extended amount of time.    

Atlanta also has Walter Tavares, who was inactive on Tuesday night but could dress for Thursday's game against the New York Knicks.    

Stats courtesy of NBA.com.