Hawks big man John Collins, who suffered a sprained left ankle during Tuesday’s loss in Phoenix, underwent an MRI on Wednesday, according to the team. Following that MRI, Collins has been diagnosed with a lateral ankle sprain and associated bone bruise, the Hawks announced today.
Although Collins has begun “low-level” rehab activities, he’ll miss some time as a result of the injury. Atlanta said Collins will be reevaluated in one week, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be ready to return at that point.
Collins, who will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, is having a strong contract year for the Hawks, averaging 18.2 PPG and 7.8 RPG on .545/.380/.838 shooting in 47 games (30.3 MPG).
The 23-year-old has been Atlanta’s second-leading scorer and a full-time starter this season, so the team will miss him as it jockeys for playoff position. Currently, the Hawks rank seventh in the East with a 23-24 record, but only a half-game separates them from the teams ahead of and behind them in the standings.
With Collins out, the Hawks figure to lean more heavily on Danilo Gallinari and Solomon Hill in the frontcourt.
He is a fool y didnt we trade his bum rather have sum1 who can play
Well you wouldn’t be in the playoffs if it weren’t for him so.. yea
Why isn’t Okongwu playing. This is a good time to give him mins. Hawks are 23-24 can they really do worse with Okongwu starting even.
Yes. Why even ask
Okongwu is avg 8 mins . I’m not asking. I’m questioning their decision making. Especially now with Collins out. Swing and a Miss ….. AGAIN
Your feelings hurt. Why don’t you defend yourself.?Instead of trolling, very immature.
He’s not good enough for more; he’s just young. Hawks like their spot. Why nominate Hawks for giving up and throwing the kids in?— maybe they don’t want to. Most fans don’t. It’s not like Okongwu will be hidden. I saw him last ATL game and he looked casual and learning not burning.
You know all this but want to be seen as a fan of a youngster. It’s getting creepy.