Why Kristaps Porzingis isn't playing tonight for Hawks vs. Lakers with injury, illness news

The Atlanta Hawks get to play a high-profile matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

There will be a lot of high-profile players in street clothes, including Kristaps Porzingis.

The Latvian center is the most notable absence for the Hawks, in addition to the extended time out for Trae Young.

On the Lakers side, both LeBron James and Austin Reaves are out.

Luka Doncic will lead L.A. against Atlanta, and he'll have plenty to do.

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Why isn't Kristaps Porzingis playing tonight?

The Hawks ruled Porzingis out on Saturday afternoon for the game with an 8 p.m. ET tip.

Porzingis is listed as out for illness management.

The Hawks have been careful with Porzingis so far this season after he had to miss the end of the 2025 playoffs with the Celtics due to illness.

Atlanta is at home on Saturday, but then they hit the road for a trip to California. They take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night.

Porzingis can potentially be back for that game, but nothing has been determined yet.

In the meantime, the Hawks are without one of their top floor spacers and rim protectors.

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