A byproduct of the 66-game NBA schedule in 123 days is injuries. The Sixers have not had their starting center for 11 of the 25 games they have played. It is doubtful that Spencer Hawes will be in uniform Wednesday night when the Spurs come to town.
Hawes missed the game at New York January 11 with a bad back. He returned to the lineup and played in the next three games before sitting down for 10 in a row, this time with a strained left Achilles tendon.
Hawes has played the last two games and played well. He scored 14 points Saturday in Atlanta on 7-of-11 shooting. Monday against the Lakers he did not shoot the ball well (3-for-10), but he finished with eight points, five rebounds and five assists in 32 minutes.
Unfortunately the Achilles pain has reared its ugly head again. Hawes underwent an MRI on his lower back Monday after practice, which he did not participate in, to see if there might be a connection between the two injuries he has experienced this season.
I was concerned about the wear and tear, Collins said of this unique season. (Danilo) Gallinari maybe broke his foot and Chauncey Billups may have torn his Achilles tendon. Looking at this season you knew there was going to be a ton of injuries and how you were going to be able to survive them and how much depth you had to be able to survive them. It has really become a battle of attrition right now and who can keep the healthiest bodies.
The Sixers starting power forward, Elton Brand, has missed the last two games because of a sprained right thumb.
Its getting better, Brand said. Well know more tomorrow. I will get treatment tonight, treatment again in the morning and then we will see but I should be able to give it a go.
NBA
In his last five games Brand is averaging 6.6 points, that came on the heels of a 10-game stretch where he average 13.5.
Doug Collins is hopeful that sitting out with the banged up thumb might actually strengthen Brands legs.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com