More encouraging injury updates & 2 other X-factors as Hawks visit Trail Blazers

Day by day, the Atlanta Hawks are drawing closer to full strength.

A full rotation that has not been together since the first game of the regular season is still some ways from being whole again. But the light is indeed at the end of the tunnel and clearly in sight so long as the Hawks avoid suffering any significant setbacks.

The Hawks’ injury report revealed upgrades in status for both  Kobe Bufkin and Vit Krejci, though to varying degrees.

Hawks upgrade Kobe Bufkin, Vit Krejci on injury report

Krejci, who has missed the last nine games with an adductor strain, was upgraded to “questionable” ahead of the Hawks’ tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, which kicks off a four-game road trip that includes three straight out West.

Krejci is averaging a modest 4.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists this season.

He is also shooting just 28.6% from beyond the arc. Still, he is nearly irreplaceable in his point forward role, particularly with Jalen Johnson starting. 

The upgrade does not guarantee Krejci’s return, especially coming off such a long layoff. But it does follow an extended update from the Hawks on November 12 that projected a reevaluation for Krejci “in approximately 1 week,” putting him on schedule if not slightly ahead.

The other players listed in that report received less promising updates.

The group also included Bufkin – who was upgraded to “doubtful” in the most recent report – Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Seth Lundy.

That Bogdanovic’s situation remains unchanged is certainly a cause for concern. After a strong but extended summer run, Bogdanovic has suited up for all of one game this season. And while the Hawks have managed to get by without him, his absence is a big loss.

Bogdanovic is the Hawks’ best shooter.

He is more reliable than Trae Young and shoots with greater volume than De’Andre Hunter. His floor spacing opens driving lanes for Hunter, Johnson, Young, and Dyson Daniels.

The trend started in the last game when not only did Trae Young return from a one-game absence, but De’Andre Hunter made his third appearance of the regular season after a long layoff.

The trend continuing only bodes well for the group.

Avoiding the big letdown

One hallmark of a good team is beating the teams you are expected to. Another is avoiding the big letdown i.e. losing focus coming off a big win like the Hawks are. The Blazers were one of the worst teams in the NBA last season. 

This is a new campaign and, since it is still early, they remain close to the Hawks in record.

Four Blazers players have logged double-digit appearances and are averaging double-digit points while two other high-minute players are averaging 9.5 PPG.

However, they still have the 29th-ranked offensive rating and the 20th-ranked defensive rating this season. This cannot be a game the Hawks overlook – their defensive rating is even worse than Portland’s at No. 25.

The Hawks have to come out running hot and bury the Blazers early so they can rest late.

Zaccharie Risacher’s role

Rookie No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher has started each of the Hawks’ last 11 games, maintaining his spot even with Hunter returning in the last outing. However, it is unclear if he will remain in the starting lineup or if he should.

Risacher is averaging 12.6 points, 4.5 boards, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals during his starting tenure. He is also just under 1.0 blocks per game in that span.

But he has shot 38.2% from the floor and 22.8% from beyond the arc.

Risacher is 1-for-17 from long distance over the last four games. Hunter is shooting 46.7% from deep and while that number is from a small sample size and is unsustainable, he remains a potent off-ball threat and savvy two-way player. 

Returning Risacher to the bench could minimize the impact of his inefficiency. With Bogdanovic out, the rookie would be in a featured role with the second unit.