Brad Rowland here, the host of the daily Locked On Hawks podcast, with your daily Locked On Hawks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Hawks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Mid-season NBA Draft Check-In
Jan 4, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg (2) celebrates with Duke Blue Devils center Khaman Maluach (9) during the second half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks had an unexpected postponement on Saturday afternoon. Winter weather struck the Atlanta area over the weekend and, in an official release, it was announced that “the decision was made in consultation with local officials and to prioritize the safety of the players, fans and staff due to the severe weather and hazardous icy conditions in the Atlanta area.”
As such, the Hawks will have to make up a game against the Houston Rockets at a later date. That also left Atlanta with an extended break between games, with the next matchup on the agenda taking place on Tuesday at State Farm Arena against the Phoenix Suns. That matchup is a rematch from Atlanta’s last game, a competitive loss on the road last week, and the Hawks will aim to nudge above the .500 mark with a win.
In the meantime, the Locked On Hawks Podcast used the mini-break to take a mid-season look at the 2025 NBA Draft with the help of draft expert Brian Schroeder. On a two-part episode, the show examined the top of the class, headlined by Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, but also an interesting class of centers.
The Hawks have a pair of expiring contracts at center in Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr., leaving some uncertainty at the position moving forward. Atlanta does have Onyeka Okongwu on a very reasonable contract, but Okongwu has not fully broken out as a clear starter for the future. Even if he does, the Hawks will need to secure depth and size at the position through either the draft, free agency, or a trade.
Duke’s Khaman Maluach, Maryland’s Derik Queen, and Georgetown’s Thomas Sorber are all potential top-20 picks at the position. Georgia’s Asa Newell is a projected lottery pick, though he could play both the 4 and 5 positions at the NBA level. In short, the Hawks will have options in their projected range for the 2025 draft, prompting many questions from the fan base on which players might fit best. Regardless, Atlanta might have two first round picks in 2025, depending on the efforts of the Sacramento Kings, and it is a storyline of interest over the next five months.
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Trae Young is having a phenomenal season, but the team is struggling when it comes to who backs him up. (Peachtree Hoops)
Preview The Hawks host the Suns tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Hawks podcasts.
Two-Part Episode: Midseason NBA Draft Check-In with Brian Schroeder This extended conversation focuses on the 2025 NBA Draft, including the top tier of Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey’s NBA potential, Kasparas Jakucionis as a breakout prospect, potential first round centers that could interest the Atlanta Hawks, Brian’s favorite sleepers, and much more.
Hawks wrap up marathon road trip with loss in Phoenix Episode 1884 highlights a shotmaking exhibition for both teams in the first half, David Roddy’s (brief) revenge, defensive struggles, a tale of two halves on offense, curious rotation decisions, and much more.
Awards contenders, Hawks mailbag, and Suns preview The show begins with a check-in on the NBA awards contenders from the Atlanta Hawks including Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter, Dyson Daniels, and Trae Young. Then, the episode shifts to answering mailbag questions and previewing Thursday’s game between the Hawks and the Phoenix Suns to conclude the team’s marathon road trip.
