Andrew Bynum to miss start of playoffs

The Indiana Pacers have confirmed that Andrew Bynum will not play during their first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks.

The center joined the team as a free agent in February, but has not played for almost five weeks while struggling with a sore knee.

The 26-year-old, who was brought to the team as backup to Roy Hibbert, could still feature later in the playoffs for the Eastern Conference's top seeds.

Bynum started the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he was released shortly after.