Atlanta Hawks Gain One Big Man, Lose Another For Game 1 vs. Miami Heat

Trae Young had another magical half of basketball in the Play-In elimination game, to lead the Atlanta Hawks into the playoffs. Now, the attention turns to his big men as the Hawks get set to take on the Miami Heat beginning on Sunday. 

Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins – out since March 11 due to foot and finger injuries – will attempt to play in Game 1 of series vs. Miami on Sunday, sources tell me and @ChrisKirschner. He has been upgraded to questionable.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 16, 2022

NBA Insider Shams Charania reports that power forward John Collins will attempt to play, after missing the last five weeks with foot and finger injuries. This is especially huge for the Hawks, who will be missing center Clint Capela for at least a week with a hyperextended knee.

Collins missed the final 16 games of the regular season, plus the two win-or-go-home Play-In games. He's been out with a plantar fascia tear in his right foot as well as damage to his right ring finger. 

The loss of Capela stings, however. He's a huge part of what they do, particularly on the defensive end of the floor, averaging 11 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks this season. He injured his knee in the Hawks' Play-In game against the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday night. He'll be re-evaluated in a week. 

Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports