Atlanta Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu probable for Friday’s Hawks game

Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks blocks a dunk attempt by Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks blocks a dunk attempt by Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at State Farm Arena on June 18, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
Updated Dec 17, 2021

In a long-awaited move, it appears Onyeka Okongwu may play his first game of the season when the Hawks host the Nuggets on Friday.

Okongwu is listed as “probable” on the most recent Hawks’ injury report, which came out 5 p.m. Thursday. He missed about five months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in July, and although it likely will take him some time to get back in the swing of things, his presence should provide a substantial boost to the bench unit. On Thursday, the Hawks recalled Okongwu from the team’s G League affiliate, which he had played a game for Dec. 9 to get some 5-on-5 action.

Okongwu started to make progress in the second half of his rookie season, garnering more playing time backing up starting center Clint Capela, and held his own on the Hawks’ playoff run.

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About the Author

Sarah K. Spencer, a Georgia native and UGA alum, spearheads sports video at the AJC. She also serves as a general assignment writer and previously covered the Hawks from 2019-22.

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