ATLANTA (AFP) - Mike Scott, a key reserve power forward for the NBA Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Hawks, will be sidelined indefintely with a fractured big left toe, the team said Saturday.

Scott suffered the injury Wednesday against Denver.

It was initially thought to be only a sprain but an MRI exam conducted Friday in Phoenix revealed the break.

Scott will visit a specialist Monday in Atlanta to decide on a treatment plan and that will decide on a timetable for his return.

The NBA playoffs begin in five weeks and the Hawks figure to be among the title favourites.

Their 51-14 record is 10 games better than Cleveland, second in the East, and trails only to Western Conference leader Golden State 51-13 among NBA clubs.

Scott has averaged 7.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 62 games this season for the Hawks, who selected him 43rd overall in the 2012 NBA Draft.