Atlanta Hawks Provide Massive Onyeka Okongwu Injury Update

In their previous update on Okongwu back on March 7th, this is what the Hawks had to say:

"Center Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain/sesamoiditis) has transitioned out of a walking boot. He will be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days and his status will be updated as appropriate."

This is huge news for Atlanta. Okongwu was enjoying a very good season before getting injured in the game vs Chicago a month ago. The Hawks have been cautious about bringing Okongwu along, but it is possible that he is back tonight. It is also possible that Okongwu is on a minutes restriction in his first action back, but that is just speculation. Head coach Quin Snyder could provide clarity on that before tonight's game vs the Lakers. 

Clint Capela and Bruno Fernando have been handling the center minutes with Okongwu out and Capela in particular is playing his best basketball of the season right now. Atlanta still has other significant injuries, but getting Okongwu back would be huge. 

Trae Young, Saddiq Bey, Kobe Bufkin, Mouhamed Gueye, and AJ Griffin are all out. 

Coming off of losses to Portland and Utah, the performance from the Hawks last night against the Clippers came out of nowhere.

The offense for the Hawks was very good against the Clippers and it came with Dejounte Murray not having to take a lot of shots. Murray has had to be the focal point of the offense and while he has been scoring 30-40 points, it has not been the most efficient way of running the offense. Murray scored 21 points and had 10 assists last night in the win over the Clippers. The Laker's defense is tough, but how tough will be depending on if Davis plays or not.

Bogdanovic had a terrific second quarter last night, scoring 11 points, but that was it for him. He did not do much else outside of the second quarter and left the game late. Keep an eye on his status.

Vit Krejci is continuing to start for the Hawks in the absence of Bey. Krejci is shooting 30% (4-13) from three and has made some improvements as a defender during his time as a starter. Krejci is not asked to do much and is splitting time with De'Andre Hunter, who is playing fantastic.

After an inefficient first game back, Jalen Johnson looked fantastic on both ends of the floor for Atlanta last night. He finished with 18 points on 7-14 shooting as well as grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out six assists.

Clint Capela has had a double-double in five straight games and he is going to have a chance for another big game tonight. He had 15 points and 13 rebounds last night.

Hunter continues to lead the bench unit and he had another 20-point game last night and shot 8-13 from the field. Hunter has been one of the NBA's best bench players since coming back from his injury and has been shooting exceptionally well.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip-off time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA

Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast,

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be underdogs on the road tonight, as they are currently 9.5 point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 225.5.