Okongwu was listed day-to-day Monday with a rest issue, and he will sit out Atlanta's preseason game against the Thunder. The Hawks will lean on their deeper rotation pieces in his absence tonight.
What happened
Okongwu was listed day-to-day on Monday, Oct. 12, with a rest issue, his first appearance on the injury report this preseason since no previous status was on file. Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reported that Okongwu is out for Monday's preseason game against the Thunder. The official designation on the report is rest, filed under the other category, with no additional detail beyond that label.
What it means for the Hawks
Atlanta faces Oklahoma City on Monday at 7 p.m. ET in a preseason matchup, and Okongwu will not be available. Last season, Okongwu averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 31.0 minutes across 74 games. In games without him on the floor, Jalen Johnson has carried the heaviest load at 35.2 minutes and 22.5 points, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker (33.4 minutes, 20.8 points), Dyson Daniels (33.2 minutes, 11.9 points) and Trae Young (28.0 minutes, 19.3 points) also seeing expanded roles. The Hawks are 0-0 since the 2026-27 season has not started, so there is no record to measure with or without him yet.
What to watch
Okongwu is expected back by Oct. 16, according to the injury report. The next update will arrive with Atlanta's following injury report ahead of its next preseason outing, and his status will be reassessed as that game approaches. No further detail beyond the rest designation and that return timeline has been announced.
Is Onyeka Okongwu playing vs Thunder?
No. Okongwu is out for Monday's preseason game against the Thunder with a rest issue, per Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network.
When will Onyeka Okongwu be back?
Okongwu is expected to return by Oct. 16, according to the injury report. He is listed day-to-day with a rest designation.