Tiago Splitter Injury: Updates on Hawks Forward's Calf and Return

Atlanta Hawks forward Tiago Splitter suffered a calf injury in the first half of a 117-98 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday and did not return. It remains to be seen when he will return to the court. 

Continue for updates.

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Splitter to Miss Multiple Games with Injury

Sunday, Dec. 27

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Splitter will miss "at least" the next two games with a mild calf strain.

This is a concerning setback for the 30-year-old, especially since he already suffered a hip injury earlier this season. The big man has only played more than 60 games once in his career entering the 2015-16 campaign.

The Hawks acquired Splitter in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs this offseason because of his extensive postseason experience and the depth he adds up front. Atlanta relies on Paul Millsap and Al Horford up front, but Splitter gives the Hawks another rotation piece who can protect the rim and contribute on the boards on both ends of the floor. He is also a solid free-throw shooter with soft touch with the ball.

Even with this injury, Millsap and Horford are still the primary pieces in the frontcourt and will continue to carry the load as the Hawks look to build on last season’s Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

Mike Scott will likely see more minutes at the power forward position and brings a different dimension to the attack than Splitter because of his ability to stretch the floor from beyond the three-point line. Mike Muscala is another big body (6'11") who adds depth up front and can fill in for Splitter if needed.

Atlanta still has enough pieces to remain in the Eastern Conference race without Splitter, but it could use his championship pedigree back before a potential postseason run.