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The Atlanta Hawks head into Sunday night against the Charlotte Hornets with more questions than certainties. A stacked injury list and a second night of a back-to-back force coach Quin Snyder to weigh minutes and lineups carefully. Fans will be watching the scoreboard and the injury report with equal interest.
Current injury list and status updates for the matchup
Why Porzingis is being kept out of back-to-backs
Porzingis has not played in any back-to-back games so far this season. The Hawks appear to be taking a cautious approach with his minutes.
Resting the big man on the second night of a back-to-back reduces wear and tear. It also protects long-term availability for critical stretches of the schedule.
Expect Atlanta to follow a consistent plan: avoid back-to-back minutes for Porzingis and prioritize recovery.
Rotation adjustments the Hawks may deploy
If both Porzingis and Okongwu cannot go, Atlanta will have to reconfigure its frontcourt on the fly. Coaches may mix smaller lineups with occasional size to match Charlotte.
Likely options and strategic moves
Give heavier minutes to Mo Gueye in the paint and defensive matchups.
Trust rookie Asa Newell for spot minutes and physical work on the boards.
Try small-ball stretches to keep pace offensively and create mismatches.
Adjust substitution patterns to protect players in back-to-back minutes.
Quin Snyder could experiment with quick bursts of smaller lineups while relying on veteran guards and wings to create spacing.
Game context: standings, schedule rhythm, and broadcast details
The Hawks enter this game at 10-7 on the season. With Trae Young rehabbing, Atlanta is navigating an easier part of the schedule.
Both teams are playing the second night of consecutive games, which can alter effort based on travel and fatigue.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm ET in Atlanta. Expect coach decisions about rest and rotation to shape the flow from the opening possession.
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