Onyeka

Okongwu

Okongwu will sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, joining the Hawks’ other four starters on the sidelines. If Mouhamed Gueye can play, he would move into the starting center role. However, he’s questionable with a shoulder injury. Tony Bradley would be the next man up if Gueye sits.

Okongwu and Kuminga sitting out Sunday’s regular-season finale would free up rotation minutes for multiple players. That includes Zaccharie Risacher, whose playing time has decreased with Kuminga in the fold, Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.

Since he was limited to eight points in a March 27 loss to the Celtics, Okongwu has reached double figures in each of his last five appearances. Against the Cavaliers, the Hawks’ starting center shot 70 percent from the field despite the challenging frontcourt matchup. However, Okongwu did not offer much on the glass or as a rim protector, something that would need to change if the Hawks and Cavaliers meet in the first round of the playoffs.

Landale has been diagnosed with a high right ankle sprain sustained during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s win over the Magic. With the two-week timeline being for a re-evaluation, the veteran backup is not guaranteed to be available when the playoffs begin. Landale’s injury leaves Mouhamed Gueye to serve as the backup center in the short term. As for the playoffs, starter Onyeka Okongwu will likely be asked to take on a heavier workload if Landale is not back by then.

Okongwu did not shoot the ball as well as he’s capable of, but the Hawks center did record a complete stat line in Orlando. He’s recorded four defensive contributions in consecutive games, the first time since March 10-12 that Okongwu has accomplished that feat. Add in the rebounds and assists, and this was a good night for those rostering Okongwu, even if the shots weren’t falling.

Back in the Hawks’ lineup after a one-game absence, Okongwu finished Monday’s victory with his 16th double-double of the season and first since March 1. Also, before the win over the Celtics, he had not scored 20 points or more in a game since March 4 against the Bucks. With the decrease in scoring, Okongwu’s fantasy value has taken a hit. Monday was a step in the right direction going into Wednesday’s game against the Magic.

Landale, who started Saturday’s win over the Kings, will not be available due to illness. Onyeka Okongwu is back after missing the last game with a finger injury, so he’ll resume his usual duties as the starting center. Mouhamed Gueye likely slots in as the backup, but he is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.

The Hawks will have their preferred starting five for Monday’s game, as Okongwu and Dyson Daniels (toe) are back after sitting out Saturday’s win over the Kings. Mouhamed Gueye and Jock Landale will head to the bench, limiting the fantasy value of both players.

With Onyeka Okongwu (finger) sidelined, the Hawks called on Landale to fill the void in the middle on Saturday. As was the case last month, when Okongwu missed time due to a facial fracture, the veteran reserve stepped up. Landale recorded his second double-double since joining the Hawks in early February, and the 13 rebounds were a season-high. Atlanta opens a three-game Week 23 on Monday in Boston, and Landale will be worth streaming if Okongwu remains out.

Landale is good to go after missing Friday’s loss to the Celtics. With Onyeka Okongwu (finger) out, Landale is likely to start, and he would be worth streaming in that scenario.