Injuries & 1 other key X-factor in Hawks 1st back-to-back of season

There is no rest for the weary – i.e. the Atlanta Hawks – in the early going of the 2024-25 season. After suffering their first loss of the season in a 128-104 defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Hawks have to turn right around and host the Washington Wizards.

They will once again be short-handed for the contest, another developing trend through three games.

Bogdan Bogdanovic has played in one game while De’Andre Hunter has played in two.

Neither player will suit up in this back-to-back finale, which also serves as the first game of a home-and-home against a notable opponent (more on that in a bit). This is a reality the Hawks embraced over the offseason but it is biting them a bit out of the gates.

They won their first two games, the second victory overshadowing the fact Bogdanovic was sidelined with hamstring tendinopathy.

The Hawks have rested Bogdanovic after an extended summer including the Olympics.

At 32 years old, it was always a prudent approach. So the hope is that they are just exercising extreme caution. Though surely they would prefer to have him out there and playing if he was able to go.

Hunter had a big bounce-back game versus the Charlotte Hornets, helping the Hawks notch their second win with a 24-point effort.

He missed the loss to OKC leaving Zaccharie Risacher in his place as injured loom large.

No. 1 vs No. 2 as Zaccharie Risacher faces Alex Sarr

Any time the Nos. 1 and 2 picks of a draft face off, it is going to be major news and this year is no different. 

Hawks rookie and No. 1 pick Risacher will lock horns with No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr in this matchup between division rivals.

Through three games to Sarr’s two, Risacher has the early edge as a scorer – both in terms of points and efficiency – but Sarr has been the superior performer on the glass and, expectedly, as a rim protector.

They are both averaging 1.0 assists per game.

Sarr was once projected to be the No. 1 pick. But his camp went out of its way to prevent that, with Sarr declining to go through with his planned workout with the Hawks.

Hawks general manager Landry Fields might not ever admit it, nor would it be coming from a place of malice. But, surely, the Hawks would like nothing more than for Risacher to outshine Sarr.

The alternative – Sarr looking good while Risacher struggles – could otherwise be nerve-rattling.