The Atlanta Hawks are dealing with a significant setback as center Onyeka Okongwu is set to be sidelined for an indefinite period due to a sprained left toe. This news comes as a surprise after initial expectations that Okongwu would only miss a week to 10 days.
Head coach Quin Snyder confirmed that Okongwu will not be available for the foreseeable future, leaving the team with front-line depth concerns. The absence of Okongwu, who has been sharing playing time with starting center Clint Capela, adds to the challenge as Capela has been out for the past six games with a left adductor strain.
While Capela may return for the upcoming game against Toronto, he is unlikely to immediately resume his usual minutes load. This situation puts more pressure on backup center Bruno Fernando, who has already seen increased playing time in Capela's absence.
Snyder acknowledged the importance of Okongwu's contributions to the team, noting his progress and impact on both ends of the floor. The 23-year-old center, a 2020 first-round draft pick, has been posting career-high averages of 10.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 53 games this season.
The Hawks, currently holding the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference with a 24-31 record, are at risk of falling out of the play-in tournament position if they drop below the 11th-place Brooklyn Nets.
Snyder emphasized the need for the team to adapt to the absence of Okongwu and the potential limited availability of Capela upon his return. The Hawks will have to rely on their remaining front-line players to step up and fill the void left by the injured centers as they aim to secure a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference.
