Porzingis Out for Weeks, Okongwu Steps Up
The Atlanta Hawks will be without their impactful center Kristaps Porzingis for at least the next two weeks. The team announced that Porzingis has been sidelined due to an illness and will undergo further medical assessments. This marks a significant stretch of missed games for the veteran big man, who has already sat out seven of the last nine contests.
Understanding Porzingis's Latest Health Concern
The Hawks have stated that Porzingis will continue a period of reduced basketball activities and evaluations for the next fortnight, with his status to be reassessed thereafter. While Porzingis was previously diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) last season, leading to missed time with the Boston Celtics, he has indicated that his current illness, which began in early December, is unrelated to POTS. POTS, as described by the Cleveland Clinic, is a condition characterized by symptoms like rapid heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue upon transitioning from lying down to standing.
Impact on Hawks' Depth Chart and Upcoming Game
With Porzingis sidelined, Onyeka Okongwu is set to step into the primary backup role for the Hawks. Okongwu has been performing admirably in his increased minutes, averaging 16 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. This absence comes at a crucial time as the Hawks (14-12) prepare to host the Philadelphia 76ers (14-10) on Sunday, December 14th, at State Farm Arena. The matchup is a key battle between two Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls.
Porzingis's Season Performance
Prior to his recent absences, Porzingis had been a significant contributor for the Hawks, averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 13 games played this season. His ability to stretch the floor and provide scoring in the paint will be a notable void for Atlanta during his recovery period.
