Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis is anticipated to miss the next two weeks as he undergoes additional medical evaluations for an ongoing illness, ESPN reports. Porzingis has already been absent for six out of the last seven games due to health issues, and while he will miss more games in December, the Hawks are focusing on his long-term well-being over short-term appearances this season.
This isn’t the first time Porzingis has faced health challenges. During the 2025 NBA Playoffs with the Boston Celtics, the Latvian player experienced severe fatigue and breathing difficulties, admitting, “I wasn’t breathing well. I did everything I could to feel as good as I could, but my engine just wasn’t turning the way I wanted it to.” Despite this, he played through the postseason but was limited, scoring just 25 points over Boston’s second-round exit to the Knicks and playing under 15 minutes in four out of six games.
Following that season, Porzingis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system causing uneven blood flow, leading to increased heart rate and dizziness upon standing. With treatment, including a high-salt diet, he managed the condition well and even competed for the Latvian national team at EuroBasket, averaging 20.2 points and 8.7 rebounds over six games.
However, in early December, after missing four straight games and scoring 25 points in one, Porzingis stated his current illness likely isn’t related to POTS. After a Dec. 5 loss to the Nuggets, he clarified, “No, I’m not saying it’s the same. It’s healthy, you know? But I’m not saying it’s the same as last season, so that’s a good thing. I want to be healthy. And I’ll be healthy.”
The hope is Porzingis will recover soon, as when he’s healthy, he consistently produces double-doubles, showcasing strong two-way play with an ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and provide solid rim protection on defense.
Fan Take: Porzingis’ health saga is a poignant reminder of the challenges athletes face beyond the spotlight. For basketball fans, his return means witnessing a dynamic player whose unique skill set can elevate his team’s competitive edge, highlighting the importance of managing player wellness for sustained success in the sport.
