Hawks Announce Kristaps Porzingis Development on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 2:10 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks enter Saturday’s key home game against the Los Angeles Lakers dealing with a mounting injury list that threatens their rise 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 the Hawks 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 Hawks forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (8).© Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Atlanta confirmed it will be without Kristaps Porzingis and sharpshooter Luke Kennard in addition to star Trae Young, who is sidelined for at least four weeks after suffering a sprained MCL in his right knee. Porzingis turned in 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists during the team’s 109-97 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday.

In addition to playing without Porzingis and Kennard, 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.

Hawks will be without Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard in addition to Trae Young tonight against the Lakers. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson are questionable. pic.twitter.com/W4ruU9ZLYb
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) November 8, 2025

Atlanta have managed three wins in five games without Young playing the whole game, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic. Young managed seven minutes before suffering an injury against the Nets.

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.

Tip‑off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena, and the game will be televised on NBA TV.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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