Losing Iggy will mean more time for Evan Turner.


Sixers' forward Andre Iguodala will miss the next five games due to right Achilles tendinitis, the team announced Friday morning. In 25 games this season, Iguodala is averaging 14.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

Including Wednesday's contest against the Phoenix Suns, Iguodala had already missed seven games this season because of the same injury. His next scheduled on-court activity is January 10, with the goal of having him return the following night against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center.

Clearly, the player who stands to benefit the most from Iguodala's absence is rookie swingman Evan Turner. When Iguodala has been out of the lineup the year, Turner has averaged 13.1 points per game, nearly double his season average of 6.8 PPG.

So although Turner appears the most comfortable at point guard, he's going to get a lot of work at the wing positions over the next couple of weeks. With the Sixers visiting the Staples Center tonight to face the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, Turner's baptism by fire begins now.

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