The Atlanta Hawks have misplaced three straight video games and are at present 1-3 on their six-game street journey. They proceed this street journey tomorrow night time in opposition to the 9-25 Utah Jazz, who’ve received two video games in a row. Forward of tomorrow’s sport, the Hawks launched their harm report for the Utah sport.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (harm administration; bruised left leg) and Trae Younger (proper Achilles tendinitis are each possible, however Jalen Johnson (proper shoulder irritation) is out. That is Johnson’s third missed sport over the past 4 outings and the Hawks have struggled mightily in losses to the Clippers.
Utah’s harm report can also be stuffed out. Lauri Markkanen is questionable with again spasms. John Collins, Keyonte George and Jordan Clarkson all the way in which.
A @emoryhealthcare harm report for tomorrow’s sport in opposition to Utah:
Bogdan Bogdanovic (harm administration; left decrease leg contusion): Probable⁰Trae Younger (proper Achilles tendonitis): Possible
Kobe Bufkin (proper shoulder harm administration): out
Jalen Johnson (proper shoulder… pic.twitter.com/lqRtPPx9zw– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 7, 2025
For the Jazz sport of tomorrow:
Lauri Markkanen is questionable with again spasms. John Collins, Keyonte George and Jordan Clarkson all OUT.
-Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) January 7, 2025
The Atlanta Hawks have been probably the most attention-grabbing groups within the NBA this season. Generally they seem like they might be an actual menace within the playoffs, possibly to not win the championship and even advance to the convention finals, however as a crew you do not wish to play early. They’ve wins in opposition to Boston, two wins in opposition to the Knicks, two in opposition to the Cavs and extra. However at different occasions, they seem like a younger, inexperienced crew that continues to develop collectively and learn to play collectively. There’s quite a lot of optimism about their future, however there will likely be obstacles alongside the way in which.
One motive for that optimism is 2024 No. 1 choose Zaccharie Risacher. The Hawks chosen Risacher with the primary choose within the draft and hoped he would play a vital position of their future in constructing a winner. He was an excellent defender for a lot of the season, however struggled on offense. He’s at present capturing 40% from the sector and 28% from three. The three-point shot is a little bit of a shock contemplating he was praised for his capturing as a prospect, however there’s loads of optimism that he could be significantly better sooner or later.
Greg Swartz, Launderer Report Analyst named Risacher as a participant the Hawks desperately have to launch in 2025:
Age: 19 years outdated
Season: 1st
“The No. 1 choose within the 2024 draft is having an OK rookie season, serving as a full-time starter for a now-fun Atlanta Hawks crew averaging 10.8 factors and three.4 rebounds in 23.7 minutes.
We weren’t anticipating massive issues from Risacher this yr regardless of his draft place (hiya, Harrison Barnes participant). For now, it is sufficient to seem like a great participant, particularly if {the teenager} can proceed to enhance his capturing effectivity (28.9 % from three).
Small Group Timeline: ASAP
If the Hawks wish to solidify themselves as a playoff crew within the East, they will want Risacher to begin his breakout sooner somewhat than later.
The truth is we’re extra prone to see a sophomore soar on the 6’8″ wing somewhat than main enhancements over the course of the season, particularly given his restricted offensive position alongside Trae Younger , Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter and others.”
As a lot because the Hawks want to be a playoff crew this season, creating their younger expertise is extra essential and there will likely be ups and downs with that. I feel it is extra seemingly that there will likely be an enormous improvement from Risacher subsequent season than a sudden enchancment this season, however his strengths should not be missed both. He is a great defender and he does quite a lot of little issues on the pitch. The whole lot else ought to occur in time and Risacher will likely be an improved participant.
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