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Dennis Schroder avoids major injury, ruled out Monday

Atlanta Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder avoided a serious ankle injury in Sunday's loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Hawks announced that Schroder will not play Monday against the Miami Heat after an MRI confirmed the ankle sprain.

But Schroder told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that X-rays taken Sunday revealed "nothing serious" and that he hopes to return for Thursday's game against the Chicago Bulls, which will conclude Atlanta's five-game road trip to open the season. The Hawks play their home opener Friday against the Denver Nuggets.

Schroder had to be helped off the court after injuring his left ankle late in the fourth quarter Sunday. Malcolm Delaney is expected to replace Schroder as Atlanta's starting point guard Monday in Miami.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer told reporters that Delaney will "probably have to shift over and become the starter" if Schroder is out for an extended period.

Schroder, 24, is averaging 23.3 points and 6.7 assists -- both team highs -- in Atlanta's first three games this season.