Hawes probably out until after All-Star break

Sixers president Rod Thorn and coach Doug Collins said that starting center Spencer Hawes is seeking a second opinion on his strained left Achilles' and will probably remain out of the lineup until after the February 26th All-Star game. The Sixers first game after that will be on Tuesday, February 28th in Detroit.

Hawes will miss his 15th of 17 games tonight when the Sixers play at the Orlando Magic. Sitting courtside while the players warmed up, Thorn said: "We haven't made that determination for sure yet, but the odds are that he probably will (sit out until after All-Star break). He's not ready to play yet and we certainly don't want him to go back out there until he is ready to play. I think the chances are that he won't play until after All-Star.

"(A second opinion) is probably what we'll do. That's what you always do with a player. If he's not coming along as well as you'd like and he's interested in maybe looking at a second opinion then you always do that."

The Sixers have been able to avoid the injury causing them losses, as they are 20-9 entering tonight's game. Still, it is becoming very alarming that Hawes can't get himself righted.

"It's always a concern when a guy who was playing as well as he was playing is not able to play. He's played those two games. As far as the team goes we've made the adjustments that we could make. Hopefully he'll be well sooner than later and he'll be ready to go again."

More to come...

Check out our earlier posts on Jodie Meeks missing out on the 3-point contest and how the Sixers plan on shutting down Dwight Howard tonight.