Tiago Splitter has been absent from the proceedings throughout the preseason as a result of a hamstring injury and, on Tuesday evening, word broke that the ailment was worse than previously thought. In fact, the Hawks announced that Splitter will miss at least four weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Here is the full release:

Atlanta Hawks forward/center Tiago Splitter has been diagnosed with a grade 2 hamstring strain, which he sustained in a recent practice. An MRI taken yesterday at the Emory Orthopaedics and Spine Center revealed the injury. He will be out a minimum of four weeks and his status will be updated as appropriate.

Prior to Monday’s game against the Cavaliers, I asked Mike Budenholzer about Splitter’s status and he said the following:

“I think there’s a plan in place. We feel like it’s a good plan and he has taken the appropriate steps. Just strengthening everything around the hip. It’s all connected. I think, with this time that he’s putting in to sprinting and running and developing that, we feel positive about him.”

This is certainly an unfortunate downturn for a potentially valuable piece of Atlanta’s rotation this season. In addition to the pure uncertainty surrounding Splitter’s overall health, his absence could also affect the Hawks in their decision-making surrounding the roster crunch and with players like Edy Tavares and Mike Muscala.

Stay tuned.