Albany Herald

Atlanta’s Joe Johnson has missed four out of the last five games, and he said he is “probably not” going to play in a big game tonight against the Pacers.

ATLANTA — Joe Johnson, recovering from left knee tendinitis, did not participate in the Hawks’ practice on Monday and said he is “probably not” going to play at Indiana tonight.

Johnson has missed four of Atlanta’s last five games, plus the All-Star game. He will be with the team on its six-game road trip.

The All-Star guard took some shots after Monday’s practice and said his knee is “feeling OK.”

“I’m just trying to keep strengthening it and see where we can go from there,” Johnson said. He said he is trying to “knock this tendinitis out.”

He said the knee “is not 100 percent, but it’s nowhere near where it was the last time I played.”

Johnson returned from the All-Star break to lead the Hawks with 18 points in a loss to Golden State on Wednesday. He had more soreness in the knee after the game and then sat out back-to-back home wins over Milwaukee and Oklahoma City.

Coach Larry Drew said backup guards Willie Green (back spasms) and Tracy McGrady (strained left knee) are day to day.

Guard Jerry Stackhouse (stomach virus) may join the team in Indiana on Tuesday.

The Hawks also play at Miami, Detroit, Sacramento, Denver and the Clippers on the road trip.

“We’re playing some good teams on this trip,” Drew said. “Certainly it will be a big challenge for us as we may or may not have Joe.”

The Hawks already were without centers Al Horford and Jason Collins before Johnson’s injury.

Horford, an All-Star last season, tore his left pectoral muscle in January. He has started his rehabilitation following surgery and may miss the remainder of the regular season.

Collins sprained his left elbow Feb. 2. He had his left arm in a wrap as he participated in conditioning drills following Monday’s practice. He did not travel with the team.