Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis nearing return

Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher and center Kristaps Porzingis are getting closer to a return to the lineup.

Both players have missed the last eight games, Risacher with a bone contusion on his left knee and Porzingis with left Achilles tendinitis. The Hawks are 4-4 in their absence.

On Monday, the Hawks said Risacher will miss Monday's matinee against the visiting Indiana Pacers and is considered day-to-day moving forward. Porzingis has returned to basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one week.

Risacher, 20, is averaging 11.2 points and 3.3 rebounds in 36 games (all starts) in his second season. Atlanta drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.

Porzingis, 30, is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 17 games (12 starts) in his first season with the Hawks. The former All-Star missed 10 games in December with an illness.