The Atlanta Hawks could be forgiven for feeling hard done by thanks to the bad luck that they have endured since the preseason of the 2020-21 season. They have had issues with injury since that time and have just finished one of the worst Covid crises’ this season.
This means that they are getting a large number of players back from the protocols, in fact, according to the latest injury update, only five players are left in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Some of them are key players but only starters Bogdan Bogdanovic and John Collins are true names of note.
However, the Hawks are still suffering regular injuries as well. De’Andre Hunter is still out thanks to his wrist surgery, and Solomon Hill is out of the season thanks to ripping his hamstring off the bone. The other name of note on the injury report is Cam Reddish who is probable after spraining his ankle in the last start win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
How the Atlanta Hawks big man rotation looks at the moment.
Clint Capela had a massive game against the Cavaliers, responding to the relatively poor showing he had the previous game against the Chicago Bulls where he missed too many chippy little shots. He is obviously going to be the starting center. Given that Collins and Gorgui Dieng are both in the health and safety protocols, it has to be Onyeka Okongwu who backs him up.
This is the preferred rotation for the Hawks given how well they performed towards the end of last season. This is going to put pressure on Danilo Gallinari at the power forward spot but the Hawks will be hoping that Cam Reddish will be fit. Gallinari will start with Reddish backing up the veteran if he plays.