Hawks C Okongwu (knee) out at least 4 games

Atlanta Hawks halfway Onyeka Okongwu will beryllium retired astatine slightest 4 games owed to near knee inflammation, the squad announced Wednesday.

Okongwu will beryllium re-evaluated successful astir 1 week.

The Hawks besides said that defender Kobe Bufkin will acquisition season-ending room to reside "instability" successful his correct shoulder. The process is scheduled for Jan. 7.

Okongwu has averaged a career-best 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds while coming disconnected the chair down starter Clint Capela this season.

A five-year veteran, Okongwu was the No. 6 wide prime for the Hawks successful the 2020 draft.

Bufkin, 21, partially dislocated his correct enarthrosis for the 2nd clip successful October. He had missed summertime convention owed to a akin injury.

His first master play aft a promising Michigan profession was besides interrupted by injuries including a thumb fracture and a large toed sprain that kept him retired of each but 17 games.

Bufkin, 20, was the 15th wide prime successful the 2023 NBA draft. He averaged 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists successful 10 games (zero starts) this season.

Information from Field Level Media was utilized successful this report.