In a shift that's got Atlanta Hawks fans buzzing, Kristaps Porziņģis is set to reclaim his starting spot against the Orlando Magic tonight, after sitting out for rest. The 7-foot-3 Latvian big man, who joined the Hawks in a blockbuster trade this offseason, brings his signature stretch-the-floor game back just as the team pushes for a strong Eastern Conference run. Porziņģis, sidelined briefly by a nagging illness earlier in the season that's now fully resolved, averaged 15 points in his last outing before the break, showing he's still got that scoring touch from deep.
Meanwhile, Onyeka Okongwu, the 24-year-old rim protector who's been holding down the fort, slides to the second unit. Okongwu stepped up big during Porziņģis's absence, starting 40 games last season and notching 14 points and seven rebounds in the recent win over the Magic. Over his past five bench stints this year, he's been a steady force, pulling down around eight boards per game while anchoring the defense. It's a tough pill for the young center, who's blossomed into a double-double threat, but the Hawks' coaching staff sees value in pairing his athleticism off the pine with Porziņģis up front.
This frontcourt juggling act highlights Atlanta's depth issues—or maybe its luxury. With Porziņģis's length contesting shots and Okongwu's energy in spurts, the duo could gel into something formidable, though early chemistry hiccups have left some questioning the fit. The Hawks, sitting at 8-5 early in the 2025-26 campaign, hope this tweak sparks a surge. Yet, as rotations evolve, one can't help but wonder how long before these two bigs truly sync up on the court.
