Sun Nov 09 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Lakers Face Heavily Injured Hawks in Saturday Night Matchup

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers may find themselves facing a depleted Atlanta Hawks team on Saturday night, as Atlanta’s injury list rivals even their own. Four Hawks players, including All-Star Trae Young and key trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis, have already been ruled out, with two more listed as questionable.

Young is sidelined with a knee sprain, expected to keep him out for four weeks. Porzingis is managing an illness, while rookie Nikola Djurisic is dealing with an elbow sprain. The Hawks could also be without Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ankle) and Luke Kennard (illness). Jalen Johnson is questionable with a quad contusion.

While the Lakers themselves are battling their own injury woes, including the continued absence of LeBron James (sciatica) and Austin Reaves (groin), the Hawks’ widespread absences could provide a rare advantage. Adou Thiero, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber are all also sidelined for the Lakers.

Despite their injuries, the Lakers are currently riding a five-game win streak and boast a 7-2 record, exceeding preseason expectations. The Hawks, on the other hand, are struggling with a 4-5 start, currently sitting at the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference. Saturday’s game will be a test of depth for both teams, but the sheer number of absent Hawks players could swing the odds in the Lakers’ favor.

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