dailyloe.com – Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale will miss the start of the NBA playoffs with a sprained right ankle. The team announced he will be out for at least the first two weeks of the postseason. Landale sustained a high ankle sprain on April 1 during a game at Orlando. He is currently progressing through his rehabilitation program.
The Hawks provided a medical update on Landale’s condition on April 16, 2026. The team stated he ‘is progressing in his rehabilitation’ and ‘will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks.’ A further update on his status is expected after that reevaluation. This injury sidelines a key rotational player for Atlanta.
Landale averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 regular-season games for the Hawks. He was acquired from the Utah Jazz earlier in the season for cash considerations. His acquisition addressed a significant depth issue at the center position for Atlanta. Kristaps Porzingis had been unavailable for much of the season before a February trade to Golden State.
Furthermore, center N’Faly Dante is out for the entire year. This leaves the Hawks thin at the position as the playoffs begin. Atlanta earned the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. They will face the third-seeded New York Knicks in the first round.
The series opener is scheduled for Saturday. Landale’s absence will be a challenge for the Hawks’ frontcourt rotation. His next evaluation will occur roughly two weeks from the announcement. The team’s playoff prospects may hinge on his potential return.[]
Source: ESPN
