Sale of team ‘on schedule’

Non-binding preliminary bids were due Tuesday as the next step in the sale of the Hawks and Philips Arena, according to a person familiar with the process.

Groups and individuals interested in the buying the Hawks and current ownership have signed non-disclosure agreements and cannot comment on the sale process.

The bids will be used to determine what individuals or groups are seriously interested in taking the next step in the sale process.

A financial book has been available to prospective buyers for several weeks but does not include detailed information.

The sales price for the Hawks and Philips Arena is expected to begin at $800 million and could exceed $1 billion. The sales process was believed to take until April to complete. However, one person familiar with the situation indicated it could now take until May or June.

The Hawks have hired investment firms Goldman Sachs and Inner Circle Sports to handle the sale process.

“That has moved along the course that we expected,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said during a news conference at the All-Star game. “There are several very interested parties who are looking at the team. It is on schedule.”

Silver also confirmed that the NBA recently changed its rules concerning team ownership. In a rule passed by the Board of Governors, ownership groups cannot be comprised of more than 25 in- dividuals. Also, each individual must own at least one percent of the team.

Teague ailing: Hawks starting point guard Jeff Teague missed practice Tuesday due to illness and is questionable for tonight’s home game against the Mavericks.

“He is just a little under the weather today,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “It’s hard to say (whether he will miss a game). I guess put me as hopeful he will not miss.”

Antic’s role: Budenholzer has no plans to change his rotation in regard to Pero Antic.

The Hawks reserve center has struggled with his outside shot, particularly from 3-point range, this season. Antic has made 35 of 122 shot from 3-point range (.287) while averaging 5.7 points and three rebounds per game. Last season, his first in the NBA, the Macedonia native made 56 of 171 from 3-point range (.327) and averaged 7 points and 4.2 rebounds.

“He does so many other things well,” Budenholzer said. “When you look at his impact on the game and all kinds of different statistical things, he is a huge positive. We tell him to keep shooting. We believe in him and he’ll make shots.”

Newest Horford: The first addition to the Al Horford family came a little early.

Amelia Vega, the wife of the Hawks center, gave birth to a son, Ean Horford Vega, Monday. Horford posted a photo and message on social media Monday evening.

“It was a good day yesterday. It feels great. There are definitely different emotions coming out that I’ve never experienced before. It’s pretty awesome,” Horford said.