Hawks center likely out for rest of regular season, might be able to return for playoffs

It’s worth noting that Atlanta says Capela will be reevaluated in three to four weeks, not that he’s expected to return at that time. The 30-year-old underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed the injury, per the team.

Although the Hawks didn’t outright say it, Capela will almost certainly miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season, which concludes on April 13. Depending on how they fare in the postseason — they’re currently the No. 7 seed in the East — it’s possible he might be able to return at some point later next month.

It’s unclear when Capela suffered the injury, but Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution hears it occurred earlier this month, and he initially tried to play through it. Capela has missed the past four games, with his most recent injury designation being personal reasons.

Capela was a longtime starter for the Hawks, but the Swiss big man was moved to the second unit in late January, having been supplanted by Onyeka Okongwu. Capela has averaged 8.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.0 block in 55 games this season (21.4 minutes per contest).

Obviously, it’s unfortunate news for the Hawks, who have already lost Jalen Johnson and Kobe Bufkin to season-ending shoulder injuries. They’ve also been playing without backup big man, Larry Nance Jr., has been out since mid-February due to a knee injury. He’s set to be reevaluated next week.

It’s a disappointing setback on a personal level as well — Capela will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

With Capela out, the Hawks have been utilizing small-ball lineups off the bench, with forwards like Georges Niang and Dominick Barlow receiving more playing time. That figures to continue for the time being.