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sports1d ago
Hawks backup C Landale out for beginning of series vs. Knicks
Espn.com and 1 more
- Landale remains out for the start of Atlanta's playoff series vs. the Knicks due to a high right ankle sprain, with a reevaluation planned in two weeks.
- The Hawks' playoff depth at center is stretched as Landale's absence follows Porzingis' limited availability and Dante's season-ending status.
- Landale joins a Hawks lineup that boasted 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for Memphis before signing with Atlanta, adding reliable size off the bench.
- The 30-year-old Australian veteran has NBA experience dating to his 2021-22 San Antonio debut, including stints with Phoenix and Houston.
- Porzingis' season-long unavailability contributed to the Hawks' center-depth concerns prior to Landale's acquisition.
- N'Faly Dante's year-long absence further narrowed options at center for Atlanta heading into the Knicks series.
- The Hawks secured Landale in February as part of a strategic move to bolster post-trade center depth behind Onyeka Okongwu.
- This series marks Atlanta's first-round playoff matchup in 2026, with Landale's status a key question for how the Hawks manage center minutes.
- Atlanta signed Tony Bradley in the wake of Landale's injury status, offering a larger body to mix with Towns and Robinson if needed.
- Ultimately, Atlanta must manage Landale's minutes when Okongwu sits to counter New York's frontline, including Towns and Robinson.
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