Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) controls the ball against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center. (Image via Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images). The Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies play on January 21 with both teams badly short-handed. Injuries have already defined this matchup, leaving each coach to work with limited options and lineups that haven’t had much time together.Atlanta comes in on a four-game losing streak, still searching for some rhythm as players continue to move in and out of the rotation. Memphis is in a similar spot, trying to hold its place in the Western Conference play-in picture while managing its own injury problems. With several regulars unavailable, this game figures to come down to which team gets more from its bench and makes fewer mistakes, rather than which side has the bigger names.
Atlanta Hawks’ Injury Report vs Memphis Grizzlies (January 21, 2026)
Atlanta Hawks continues to feel the impact of missing size. Kristaps Porzingis will sit out his fifth straight game due to left Achilles tendinitis and is not expected to be re-evaluated until around January 26. His absence limits Atlanta’s interior defense and spacing, especially against a physical Memphis team.Zaccharie Risacher is also unavailable for a fifth consecutive game after suffering a left knee bone contusion, with a similar reevaluation timeline. N’Faly Dante is out for the season following knee surgery, removing another frontcourt option from the rotation.With limited personnel, head coach Quin Snyder has adjusted his lineups. Corey Kispert has recently moved into the starting group at small forward, replacing Vit Krejci. Jalen Johnson is now asked to shoulder increased responsibility on both ends of the floor, particularly on the glass and in scoring near the rim.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report vs Atlanta Hawks (January 21, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies enter the game with several rotation players sidelined. Scotty Pippen Jr. remains out with a toe injury, while Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, and Brandon Clarke are all unavailable due to ankle and calf issues. These absences thin out both the guard rotation and the frontcourt.Despite that, Memphis still relies on its main contributors. Ja Morant remains the focal point offensively, supported by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama. Their availability gives the Grizzlies a steadier foundation, even as bench minutes become harder to manage.
What the Injuries Mean on the Floor
Atlanta Hawks’ lack of size could show up in rebounding and rim protection, even with Memphis missing frontcourt depth of its own. Johnson is positioned for a heavy workload inside, while Kispert’s shooting may play a key role in whether Atlanta can keep pace.For Memphis, Morant’s ability to push the tempo stands out, especially against lineups still adjusting to new roles. With both teams stretched thin, this matchup is likely to come down to discipline, rebounding effort, and which supporting players can hold up under extended minutes.