Injury-Hit Hawks Face Uphill Battle Against Lakers
The Atlanta Hawks are heading into their matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers in a rather difficult position, with their availability report looking more like a hospital chart than a game roster. According to Law Murray of HoopsHype , the Hawks’ lineup has been hit hard by a wave of injuries and illness, leaving the team with serious questions about who will even take the floor.
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The biggest blow, of course, is the continued absence of star guard Trae Young , who remains sidelined. His absence alone already changes the entire complexion of Atlanta’s offense, given how much of their rhythm and ball movement runs through him. But it doesn’t stop there — Kristaps Porziņģis will also be missing the contest due to what’s being termed “illness management.” On top of that, Luke Kennard has been ruled out for similar reasons.
If that wasn’t enough, two of Atlanta’s starters from the previous game — Nickeil Alexander-Walker (back) and Jalen Johnson (quad) — are both listed as questionable. That means the Hawks could be stepping into one of the toughest matchups on the NBA calendar without four or even five of their regular rotation players. It’s not exactly the kind of preparation any coach wants before taking on a team with the firepower of the Lakers.
On the other side, the Lakers are trying to bounce back from a loss despite a strong showing from Luka Dončić , who recorded another double-double in that defeat. Dončić finished with 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds , though he wasn’t as efficient from the field as usual. His 22 points actually marked a season low, a rare dip for a player who’s already had several 35-plus point performances this year. Even so, his presence and consistent production have kept the Lakers competitive night after night.
For Atlanta, this game is shaping up to be a test of depth and resilience. Without their main shot creator in Young and with key shooters and defenders potentially unavailable, they’ll need role players to step up in a big way. Meanwhile, the Lakers — led by Dončić — will be looking to capitalize on the Hawks’ depleted lineup and get back into the win column with authority.
So, as tip-off approaches, the story isn’t just about stars and stats — it’s about survival. The Hawks will have to dig deep, rely on whoever’s healthy, and hope their bench can rise to the challenge against one of the league’s most potent teams. If they can somehow pull off a win under these circumstances, it might be one of the most impressive efforts of their season.
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