The Atlanta Hawks have officially announced that forward Kristaps Porzingis will miss Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Because in the background, he has been living with a serious chronic illness. This decision is a testament to Porzingis’s disappointing play this postseason. A serious health issue took a toll on his performance during that time.
In every game during the playoffs, Porzingis’ illness had a profound impact on his performance. He averaged a paltry 7.7 points per game over 11 playoff games. This was a drastic drop-off from his regular season usage. The illness took a major hit on his rebounding prowess. He struggled to pull down 4.6 rebounds a game over that span. His floor time was terribly limited. He averaged just 21 MPG which in turn limited his overall impact on the court.
The Hawks have already made the decision to sit him out Friday’s game against the Lakers. This decision clarifies their over-cautious bent to protecting his health. By managing his condition carefully, the team aims to ensure that he can recover fully and return to peak form for the remainder of the season.
The Hawks will definitely miss Porzingis’s presence as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers. This Week 5 matchup is a huge test. The Hawks will need to change their approach considering that they’re no longer able to rely on their best player. This player is the heartbeat of their lineup.
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