The Atlanta Hawks are heading into their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks without one of their key frontcourt pieces.
Center Jock Landale has been ruled out to open the postseason after sustaining a high right ankle sprain, and the team confirmed he will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, per New York Basketball.
Landale’s missed 2 weeks so far on high right ankle sprain
Team: Landale “progressing in rehab…Will be reevaluated approx. 2 weeks…update at that time”
Landale’s season: 🏀22 minutes 🏀10.6 points 🏀5.7 rebounds
Landale has already missed two weeks while dealing with the high right ankle sprain, and there is no clear timetable for his return. The Hawks confirmed in an official statement that Landale is “progressing in rehab” but will “be re-evaluated approximately two weeks” from now, with an update expected at that time.
With Game 1 tipping off April 18, a return during this series looks increasingly unlikely.
Mouhamed Gueye Could Steps Into the Role
While Landale continues to progress. In his absence, 23-year-old Mouhamed Gueye is set to operate as the primary backup center for Atlanta to open the playoffs. Gueye, who has flashed real potential this season will need to provide reliable interior defense and rebounding against a deep Knicks frontcourt.
This is a significant blow for Atlanta heading into a tough matchup. The Knicks are heavy favorites and lead the regular-season series 2-1, with all three games were close.
Frontcourt Depth Will Decide More Than People Think
Landale not playing is a big deal as this is the kind of playoff series where every big player gets their abilities tested. The Hawks have already stated that he will be checked again in about two weeks which hardly leaves any chance for him to be back during the first round as Game 1 is scheduled for April 18 in New York.
That really stretches things for Atlanta’s inside players. Mouhamed Gueye is able to provide length and energy but the playoffs are not as forgiving as the regular season: one wrong movement, one boxing out done a bit late, one period of foul troubles and immediately the Knicks will be at the rim or getting second-chances.
This is why Atlanta’s recent signing of Tony Bradley doesn’t feel like a footnote about depth but rather a move for survival. The Hawks are clearly aware that they need one more good center if they want to enjoy some level of stability throughout the series.
Why the Knicks Should Feel Good About This Matchup
In fact, an injury like this could very well cause the entire outcome of a first-round series to turn without even playing the first game. New York cannot rely on having a perfect offensive game all the time to make Atlanta suffer; simply keep attacking the basket, winning the rebounds, and forcing the Hawks to defend for several plays without their regular frontcourt protection will be enough.
If the Knicks take control physically from the very beginning, they will be able to set the pace and make the series a slow-paced game of skill and strategy, a situation where the team with better depth and experience normally comes out on top.
Though the Hawks can still make this a hard-fought series, the margin for mistakes has decreased. Gueye will have to be more than just a token player for the Hawks, and Bradley will have to give them enough good minutes so that the series does not completely swing in favor of New York. However, against such a well-played and well-tested opponent at the playoffs, it is safe to say that the Hawks are already playing on the back foot.
Hawks Reveal Concerning Injury Update Before Knicks Playoff Opener