Injury Updates, Trade Rumors, and Roster Decisions: Where the Hawks, Nets, and Pacers Stand Right Now
Hawks: Waiting on Key Pieces
The Atlanta Hawks are in a holding pattern with two names that could shape their immediate future - Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher. Both are on the mend, both are expected to be re-evaluated in about a week, and both represent very different stakes for a team currently hanging onto the final play-in spot in the East at 20-24.
Porzingis, who’s been sidelined with left Achilles tendinitis, has now missed five straight games and has suited up just 17 times this season. But when he has played, he’s produced.
The 7-foot-3 big is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists - all in limited minutes. The numbers tell the story of a player who’s still a weapon offensively, even if the body hasn't always cooperated.
What makes Porzingis even more intriguing is his $30.7 million expiring contract. That kind of deal tends to draw attention around the trade deadline, especially for teams looking for cap flexibility or a frontcourt scoring punch for a playoff run. His name has been floated in trade chatter, and while Atlanta hasn’t tipped its hand, the clock is ticking.
Then there’s Risacher - the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft - who’s working his way back from a left knee bone contusion. He’s averaging 11.2 points per game in his second season, though this year has already seen more missed time than his rookie campaign.
Still, the Hawks have made one thing clear: they’re not entertaining offers for him, even in conversations involving star-level talent. That kind of organizational backing speaks volumes.
With both players out, the Hawks are thin and searching for answers. If they want to stay in the postseason picture, they’ll need bodies - and soon.
Nets: Feeling the Absence of Porter
Over in Brooklyn, the Nets are spiraling without Michael Porter Jr., and the numbers are hard to ignore. Sunday’s loss - with Porter resting - dropped the Nets to 0-8 in games without their leading scorer.
The margin of defeat in those games? A staggering 16 points per contest.
Head coach Jordi Fernandez didn’t mince words after the latest setback.
“We didn’t compete to the best of our ability,” he said postgame, owning the performance and pointing to a film-heavy stretch ahead as the team tries to recalibrate.
Porter’s absence has exposed just how reliant Brooklyn has become on his offensive production. Without him, the offense lacks rhythm, spacing, and a go-to option when things break down. Until he’s back - or until someone else steps up - the Nets are going to have a hard time climbing out of this slump.
Pacers: Decision Time on Bradley
For the Indiana Pacers, a roster decision is looming. Bradley has made the most of his minutes since returning, carving out a role and giving the team some solid production.
But his second 10-day contract is about to expire, and under league rules, Indiana can’t offer another. If the Pacers want to keep him past January 28, they’ll need to convert his deal into a standard contract.
It’s a small move on the surface, but these are the kinds of decisions that can impact a team’s depth and flexibility down the stretch. Bradley’s shown he can contribute - now it’s up to the front office to decide if he’s earned a longer stay.
As the trade deadline inches closer and the playoff picture starts to take shape, teams like the Hawks, Nets, and Pacers are facing very different but equally pivotal moments. For some, it’s about getting healthy.
For others, it’s about finding answers. And in Indiana’s case, it might just come down to one contract decision.