Quin Snyder
Getty
The Hawks play the Magic Friday night.
The Atlanta Hawks were blown out by the Toronto Raptors in the first game of the season. They are now on the road to take on the Orlando Magic Friday night. However, they might have to do so without two of their better players.
Per Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com, Kristaps Porzingis is out with flu-like symptoms, while Zaccharie Risacher is questionable with a right ankle sprain.
Kristaps Porzingis’ Health is Concerning
Kristaps Porzingis
GettyKristaps Porzingis will miss Friday’s game with an illness.
On opening night, Porzingis contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 26 minutes played. His lack of minutes can be attributed to the blowout loss, but three bench players played more than Porzingis.
However, missing Friday’s game with flu-like symptoms is more concerning than a typical player’s absence. Last season, Porzingis played just 42 total games for the Boston Celtics. This was mainly due to an illness that took a while to get diagnosed. Porzingis was officially diagnosed with POTS, an illness that causes extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
Porzingis is sitting out Friday night due to an illness, and hopefully for the Hawks, it is not anything serious. Still, with POTS being the underlying condition, it is better to be safe than sorry. The 7-foot-2 center is going to be a key piece of Atlanta’s lineup, so the Hawks are hoping to get him back soon.
Zaccharie Risacher Will Be Needed
Zaccharie Risacher
GettyZaccharie Risacher is questionable for Friday’s game.
Risacher was the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He had a pretty good rookie season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Risacher opened up his 2025/26 season with 16 points and two rebounds in 21 minutes played. He is going to be a valuable scorer, but the other stats are still lacking.
The 6-foot-8 forward hurt his ankle during the loss against the Raptors. He is considered day-to-day, which is a positive sign, but the Hawks will wait a bit longer before making an official decision on his game status. The Hawks would love to have him in the lineup, but it is only the second game of the year. There is no need to rush him back onto the court with 81 games left to play.
Who Will Fill in for Porzingis and Risacher?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
GettyNickeil Alexander-Walker could see an increase in minutes.
Not having these two in the lineup will be a significant loss for the Hawks. However, they do have a few players who are capable of filling in for them.
OnyekaOkongwu, Luke Kennard, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker all played significant minutes on opening night. Two of these three players will join the starting lineup if both Risacher is ruled out with Porzingis.
Okongwu and Alexander-Walker were both able to put up double-digit points during game one. But NAW did not shoot the ball well. He was 2-for-15 from the floor and 1-for-5 from three. The Hawks are going to need him to be a better shooter, especially if he becomes a starter in Risacher’s absence.
As mentioned, no decision has been made on Risacher. However, the tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, so one will be made soon.