C Onyeka Okongwu is listed as questionable for Monday night’s Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Game 2 bout at 8:00 p.m. ET.
A surprise addition to the Atlanta injury list for this NBA Playoff game, the standout big man’s availability for the evening is a hot topic following an inspired Game 1 showing.
Below, we'll break down the latest Onyeka Okongwu injury update, if Okongwu will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including projections for Hawks vs. Knicks Game 2.
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Onyeka Okongwu Injury Update: Is Okongwu Playing Tonight vs. Knicks in Game 2?
Okongwu is officially questionable for Monday’s game vs. New York, via the daily NBA injury report. He was added to the report late on Sunday afternoon with right knee inflammation.
This is an unfortunate development for Okongwu, who’s been mostly available for the Hawks all year long. Playing in 74 regular-season games, he dealt with ailments to his face and hand this calendar year but appeared in 27 of the club’s final 29 outings.
In Saturday’s 113-102 loss to the Knicks, Okongwu was on the floor for 37 minutes and recorded 19 points on a tidy 6-for-9 shooting. He drilled 4 of 6 attempts from 3-point land, too, while also chipping in 8 rebounds.
On the season, Okongwu averages 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds on 48.0% shooting (37.6% from deep) to go with 1.1 blocks each night.
With all eyes on Okongwu’s status, you can still make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Popular Onyeka Okongwu picks include 13 Points, 7.5 Rebounds, 2 3-pointers made, 23.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts, and more.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Okongwu Is Out?
Okongwu offers the Hawks immense floor spacing and athletic pop, but the data doesn’t paint the prettiest picture of his impact.
When the USC product is off the floor this year, Atlanta’s offensive rating actually increases by 1.6 points. On the defensive end, things remain the same either way (114.2). A -1.6 net rating is nothing catastrophic, although it does hint at the Hawks perhaps not suffering too severe of a loss if Okongwu isn’t available.
Moreover, he’s also an undersized big man at a generous 6-foot-10, 240 pounds.
For potential go-to options if Okongwu isn’t on the floor, a pair of jumbo creators at the forward position makes sense. PF Jalen Johnson is the star of the show and, per databallr, his usage rate increases by 1.7% without his center in the lineup. Fellow PF Jonathan Kuminga sees a 1.2% jump, as well as 2.9 more assists per 75 possessions.
Here are the Hawks players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Okongwu is out, as well as their stat projections for today.
- Jalen Johnson vs. Knicks Projections: 21.5 Points / 10 Rebs / 6.5 Asts
- Jonathan Kuminga vs. Knicks Projections: 11.5 Points / 5 Rebs / 18.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
The Hawks’ offense flows through Johnson, so added scoring, rebounding, and playmaking opportunities could go his way if Okongwu’s injury holds him out. Sophomore F Zaccharie Risacher and 6-foot-11 PF-C Mouhamed Gueye could also be monitored.
Pick More or Less on Hawks player stats on PrizePicks now before 8:00 p.m.’s tip.
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Make Hawks vs. Knicks Picks for NBA Playoffs on PrizePicks
Onyeka Okongwu is questionable, and the Hawks vs. Knicks game is just hours away. As Game 2 approaches, fans can lock in Lineups with picks on this outing and multiple others for the Monday night slate.
Don't wait — make your Hawks vs. Knicks picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.
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