Sixers’ Hawes out at least two more weeks

DETROITThe Sixers have been without Spencer Hawes for 20 of their first 34 games, but via twitter this afternoon he gave an update on his strained left Achilles tendon, saying he just landed in Philadelphia and was headed to rehab. He also said the protective boot was off and that had him really excited.

Hawes saw foot specialist Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute over the All-Star break. Dr. Ferkels recommended that he remove the protective boot and not play in a game for at least two weeks.

It was revealed on Feb. 15 that Hawes was going to see the foot specialist in Los Angeles this past Thursday and that he would be out at least through the All-Star break. Two days later, Hawes was in a walking boot, leading one to believe his return was even further away.

The plan is for Hawes to spend the upcoming week doing strength and conditioning. Following that, the Sixers are eyeing to add in basketball drills with March 12 being target date for Hawes availability to play.

That means Hawes earliest possible return to game action would be March 14 at Indiana. The Sixers play eight more games before that matchup.

Hawes is averaging 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and three assists per game this season He is shooting 57 percent from the floor, which is a career high.

The Sixers are 12-2 in the 14 games Hawes has played.