On Sunday, December 14, the Hawks hosted the 76ers. It was a closely contested game in the second half. Atlanta defended home court with a 120-117 win vs. Philadelphia.
The Hawks are 15-12 in 2025-26 and 5-5 in their last 10. Starting center Kristaps Porzinigs has missed seven of the team’s last games due to illness. On Sunday afternoon, NBA insider Shams Charania shared breaking news about Porzinigs. He said the 30-year-old is set to miss two weeks. Porzingis is set to undergo further evaluations. Who steps up for the Hawks while he misses time?
Why does Kristaps Porzingis continue to miss time with illness?
Atlanta Hawks C/F Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will miss the next two weeks and undergo further evaluations, sources tell ESPN. Both sides are prioritizing the long term of the season for Porzingis, who has missed seven of the last eight games.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 14, 2025
Through 27 games in 2025-26, Kristaps Porzingis has missed more than half. He’s appeared in 13 games for the Hawks and made 12 starts. Porzingis has missed 14 games for Atlanta, which includes seven of their last eight due to illness. The one-time NBA champion played 20 minutes for the Hawks on December 5. That is the only time he’s seen over the last two weeks.
As a member of the Celtics in 2024-25, Kristaps Porzingis missed time due to an illness. When he returned, the 30-year-old was not himself. Over the summer, Porzingis found out he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This is commonly referred to as POTS. The condition causes Porzingis to feel fatigued and dizzy when he tries to stand up. Doctors found solutions over the summer to help Porzinigs.
Kristaps Porzingis says the illness that held him out the last 4 games is not related to anything he dealt with last season.
Full quote: pic.twitter.com/PPS2qSTGXJ
— Caleb Johnson (@ATLjohnson18) December 6, 2025
He entered the 2025-26 season in “good condition,” according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. On Sunday, Charania reported that Kristaps Porzingis is set to miss two weeks for the Hawks due to illness. Additionally, he reported that both parties are prioritizing Porzingis’ long-term health. They want the big man available later in the year. While Porzingis misses time, who will step up for the Hawks?
For head coach Quin Snyder, the answer has been simple. Backup big man Onyeka Okongwu has been plugged into the starting lineup for Atlanta. He’s started nine of the Hawks’ last 10 games. On the season, Okongwu has played in 26 of the team’s 27 games and made 15 starts.
In five of his last 10 games, Okongwu has scored 20+ points. He’s seamlessly filled Kristaps Porzingis’ production. Despite being without two of their top players, the Hawks are competing in the East. That gives the team optimism when Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis return.
