Hawks Backup Center Landale Out for Start of Playoff Series

Ankle injury sidelines key reserve for at least first two weeks of postseason

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:31pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, orange, and green, depicting the overlapping movements and energy of a basketball player on the court, conveying the disruption caused by an injury to a key team member.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and fragmented action of an NBA playoff game, reflecting the Hawks' challenge to overcome an injury to a key reserve player.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Hawks 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, will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.

Why it matters

Landale's absence is a significant blow to the Hawks' depth in the frontcourt as they prepare to face the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. The Hawks will need to rely more on their starters and find additional bench production to offset Landale's contributions.

The details

Landale suffered the ankle injury during the final week of the regular season. The Hawks announced he will miss at least the first two weeks of the playoffs and will be re-evaluated at that time to determine his status going forward.

  • Landale was injured in the final week of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
  • The Hawks announced Landale will miss at least the first two weeks of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The players

Jock Landale

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

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia that qualified for the 2026 NBA playoffs.

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What’s next

Landale will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks to determine if he can return to the lineup later in the playoff series against the Knicks.

The takeaway

The Hawks will need to find ways to replace Landale's production off the bench as they begin their playoff run without the valuable backup center.