Brand to miss 76ers' game against Hawks

Philadelphia forward Elton Brand is inactive for Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained right thumb. Brand got his thumb caught in a jersey in Friday night's loss to Miami in Philadelphia. Rookie Lavoy Allen of Temple will make his first career start as the replacement for Brand. Center Spencer Hawes, who was considered a game-time decision with a left Achilles strain, is starting. Brand averages 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. The Hawks also are short-handed on their front line. Center Jason Collins, who has played a more prominent role after Al Horford was lost for three months with a torn left pectoral muscle, will miss at least two weeks with a sprained left elbow.