The Atlanta Hawks are facing significant challenges as they prepare to visit the Toronto Raptors on December 29, 2024. Forward Larry Nance Jr. sustained a right hand injury during the Hawks’ recent 120-110 victory over the Miami Heat. The team has not yet provided details regarding the severity of the injury or a timeline for his return. Nance’s versatility and recent performance, including a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double against Miami, have been valuable assets to the Hawks.
In addition to Nance’s injury, the Hawks are dealing with other roster concerns. Backup center Onyeka Okongwu remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Cody Zeller has not joined the team following a recent trade. These absences could impact the Hawks’ frontcourt depth and overall team performance.
The upcoming game against the Raptors marks the beginning of a challenging six-game road trip for the Hawks, with subsequent matchups against formidable opponents like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. Currently, the Hawks hold a 17-15 record and are favored by 1.5 points against the Raptors, who are struggling with a 7-24 record and a nine-game losing streak. Despite their recent struggles, the Raptors have shown potential, particularly at home, where they’ve secured six of their seven wins this season.
The Hawks will need to rely on their remaining healthy players to maintain their momentum and navigate this difficult stretch of games. The team and fans alike are awaiting further updates on Nance’s condition, hoping for a swift recovery to bolster the Hawks’ lineup in the near future.