Onyeka Okongwu remains day-to-day with a rest issue, the same status he carried after sitting out Monday's preseason game against the Thunder. Atlanta faces Dallas on Friday at 8:00 PM ET without clarity on whether its starting big man will play.
What happened
Okongwu is day-to-day with a rest issue, per the Hawks' injury report issued Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:00 PM ET. His status is unchanged from the previous report. According to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network, Okongwu sat out Monday's preseason game against the Thunder due to rest. The report lists no further detail on severity, and Atlanta has not announced an expected return date.
What it means for the Hawks
Atlanta plays at Dallas in its next preseason game, Friday at 8:00 PM ET. Last season Okongwu averaged 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 31.0 minutes across 74 games, production the Hawks count on from their frontcourt. With Okongwu out Monday against Oklahoma City, Atlanta leaned more on Jalen Johnson (35.2 minutes, 22.5 points), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (33.4 minutes, 20.8 points), Dyson Daniels (33.2 minutes, 11.9 points) and Kristaps Porzingis (24.3 minutes, 17.1 points). The Hawks are 0-0, since the 2026-27 regular season has not started, and there is no record with or without Okongwu yet.
What to watch
The Hawks will issue an updated injury report ahead of Friday's game at Dallas. No expected return date has been announced for Okongwu. Atlanta also lists Henri Veesaar out with a knee issue and Mouhamed Gueye day-to-day with a foot issue as the preseason schedule continues toward the 2026-27 opener.
Is Onyeka Okongwu playing at Mavericks?
He is day-to-day with a rest issue, and the Hawks have not announced whether he will play Friday's preseason game at Dallas.
When will Onyeka Okongwu be back?
An expected return date has not been announced.