Hawks' Corey Kispert Headed to Bench for Playoffs

The reserve forward will come off the bench for Game 1 against the Knicks.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an Atlanta Hawks basketball player in motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team's bright red, blue, and white colors.The Hawks' bench rotation will be a key factor as they begin their playoff push.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Hawks forward Corey Kispert will come off the bench for Saturday's Game 1 playoff matchup against the New York Knicks. Kispert had started the Hawks' regular-season finale but will return to a reserve role for the postseason.

Why it matters

Kispert has been a key part of the Hawks' second unit this season, averaging 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in that role. His move to the bench could impact the team's rotation and lineup decisions as they begin their playoff run.

The details

Kispert started the Hawks' final regular-season game with the team resting many of its starters, but he will go back to coming off the bench for the playoffs. As a reserve this season, Kispert has averaged 8.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.4 three-pointers per game.

  • Kispert will come off the bench for Saturday's Game 1 against the Knicks.

The players

Corey Kispert

A forward for the Atlanta Hawks who has been a key part of the team's second unit this season.

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The takeaway

Kispert's move to the bench for the playoffs shows the depth of the Hawks' roster and the tough decisions head coach Nate McMillan will have to make in managing his rotation. Kispert's production off the bench will be crucial as the team looks to make a deep playoff run.