Hawks Backup Center Jock Landale Out for Start of Playoffs

Ankle injury sidelines key reserve for first two weeks of postseason

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:46pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting the motion of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with the sharp geometric shapes and overlapping planes representing the dynamic action of the game.The Hawks' playoff hopes take a hit with the loss of key reserve Jock Landale to an ankle injury.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Hawks backup center Jock Landale will miss at least the first two weeks of the NBA playoffs due to a sprained right ankle. Landale, who averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 regular-season games, sustained the high-ankle injury during a recent practice.

Why it matters

Landale's absence is a significant blow for the Hawks, who are looking to make a deep playoff run after a disappointing regular season. As a key reserve, Landale provided valuable minutes off the bench and his interior defense and rebounding will be missed against the Knicks in the opening round.

The details

Landale suffered the high-ankle sprain during a recent Hawks practice session. The injury is expected to sideline him for at least the first two weeks of the playoffs, potentially keeping him out for the first 4-6 games of the opening-round series against the New York Knicks.

  • Landale sustained the ankle injury during a recent Hawks practice session.
  • The injury is expected to keep Landale out for at least the first two weeks of the NBA playoffs.

The players

Jock Landale

A 26-year-old backup center for the Atlanta Hawks who averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 regular-season games.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia that competes in the Eastern Conference.

New York Knicks

An NBA franchise based in New York City that the Hawks will face in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

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What’s next

The Hawks will have to adjust their rotation and game plan without Landale's contributions in the early part of the playoffs. His status for the later rounds will depend on the progress of his ankle recovery.

The takeaway

Landale's injury is a significant setback for the Hawks as they look to make a deep playoff run. His interior defense and rebounding will be missed, forcing the team to rely more heavily on their starting center and other bench players to fill the void in the opening round against the Knicks.