Latest Porzingis injury update gives Hawks fans cause for concern
The Atlanta Hawks will see their star sidelined for an extra week.
The Atlanta Hawks are facing fresh frustration as they confirm that two of their most important players, Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher, will remain out of action for at least another week. The pair, sidelined with separate injuries, have missed multiple games already and will be reevaluated by the team in around seven days, with no firm return dates set.
Porzingis, the 7-foot-3 centre signed in the offseason to provide a dominant inside presence, has been limited to just 17 appearances this season due to persistent left Achilles tendinitis.
When available, he’s been productive, averaging 17.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 36% from 3-point range, but his reliability has been a persistent concern throughout his career.
As for Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2024 draft, he is enduring his own setback after sustaining a bone contusion on his left knee. The young forward has missed a similar number of games and has been out since early January.
Could Porzingis leave the Hawks?
The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for a Hawks squad trying to claw its way into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The team currently sit near the play-in line, and losing two key figures has coincided with a rough patch that includes four consecutive losses.
As the Porzingis absence continues, trade chatter around him has intensified. Speculative scenarios have linked the big man to other franchises, more specifically the Golden State Warriors, who are reportedly interested in adding size and shooting to their roster.
In one mock scenario highlighted by Yahoo, Atlanta send Porzingis to Golden State in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and sharpshooter Buddy Hield, along with a future pick swap. Porzingis’ contract expires after this season, so perhaps it could be a move to keep an eye on as time goes on.
An @emoryhealthcare injury update:
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 19, 2026
Center Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed the last five games due to left Achilles tendinitis, is progressing in his recovery and will be re-evaluated in approximately one week.
Forward Zaccharie Risacher, who has missed the last five games… pic.twitter.com/Jdex4k3gAp
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Up next for the Hawks is a fixture in Memphis against the Grizzlies, which will take place on Wednesday 21 January at FedExForum.
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