Hawks Center Landale Sidelined for Knicks Series Start

Ankle injury will keep Atlanta big man out for opening games against New York.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:59pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court scene with overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and red, conceptually representing the challenges the Hawks face without their starting center.The Hawks must adjust their lineup and strategy without the presence of starting center Jock Landale for the opening games of their playoff series against the Knicks.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Hawks will be without starting center Jock Landale for at least the first two weeks of the NBA playoffs due to a sprained right ankle injury. Landale, a key part of the Hawks' frontcourt rotation, suffered the injury during the final week of the regular season.

Why it matters

Landale's absence is a significant blow to the Hawks as they prepare to face the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. The 7-foot center has been a consistent contributor all season, providing interior defense, rebounding, and scoring to complement the Hawks' backcourt stars.

The details

Landale sprained his right ankle in the Hawks' final regular season game. An MRI revealed a moderate sprain that will require at least 2-3 weeks of recovery time before he can return to the court. The Hawks will have to adjust their lineup and rotations without Landale available for the start of the Knicks series.

  • Landale suffered the ankle injury in the Hawks' final regular season game on April 12, 2026.
  • The NBA playoffs begin on April 18, 2026.

The players

Jock Landale

A 7-foot center for the Atlanta Hawks who has been a key contributor in the team's frontcourt this season.

Atlanta Hawks

An NBA franchise based in Atlanta, Georgia that has qualified for the playoffs this season.

New York Knicks

The Hawks' first-round playoff opponent, an NBA team based in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Jock has been a huge part of our success this year, so losing him for the start of the playoffs is definitely a setback. But we have depth in the frontcourt and guys who are ready to step up.”

— Nate McMillan, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks

What’s next

The Hawks will provide updates on Landale's recovery and status as the first-round series against the Knicks progresses. If Landale is able to return within the initial 2-3 week timeline, he could potentially rejoin the lineup later in the series.

The takeaway

Landale's injury is a significant loss for the Hawks, who will have to adjust their frontcourt rotation and find ways to replace his production against the Knicks. The team's depth will be tested, but they remain confident in their ability to compete without their starting center for the start of the playoffs.