Copyright Athlon Sports
The Atlanta Hawks enter Saturday’s key home game against the Los Angeles Lakers dealing with a mounting injury list that threatens their challenge in the Eastern Conference. Once projected to improve beyond last year’s 40‑42 record, Atlanta has already fallen to 4‑5, sitting ninth in the East. The team has struggled to find consistency in the early weeks of the 2025‑26 season, making every matchup important as they try to establish momentum. Meanwhile, the Lakers come in on a five-game winning streak, led by Luka Doncic, who has been in MVP form, averaging a league-leading 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Adding to the Hawks’ challenges, they were dealt a concerning injury update just ahead of tip-off. Atlanta confirmed that they will be without Kristaps Porzingis and sharpshooter Luke Kennard in addition to Trae Young, who is sidelined for at least four weeks after suffering a sprained MCL in his right knee. This marks Porzingis’ second straight absence after previously missing the team’s 105-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday. In addition to playing without Porzingis and Kenard, Atlanta also listed role players Nickeil Alexander‑Walker and Jalen Johnson as questionable, further thinning Atlanta’s depth. With Young, Porzingis and Kennard out, the Hawks will rely heavily on players like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher to carry much of the load. Atlanta have managed three wins in five games without Young, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic. On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James (sciatica) and Austin Reaves will not play, with Reaves missing his third straight game due to a groin injury. Nevertheless, Atlanta’s depleted rotation will face an uphill task containing Doncic and matching the Lakers’ offensive firepower.
