2 min read • April 16, 2022
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Hawks' starting center Clint Capela left Friday's play-in game against the Cavaliers at the end of the first half after suffering an apparent hyperextended right knee.
Capela has no previous right knee injuries, meaning the hyperextension has created significant new damage. The eighth-year big man will not return tonight and would be out for extended period of time if Atlanta is able to advance to the first round of the playoffs, according to our team of ProBasketballDocs.
In comparison, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered what appeared to be a significant hyperextended knee in last year's playoff series against the Hawks. Because of his previous left knee injuries, the scary play created little new damage and he was able to return for the Finals.
Capela was injured on an awkward play after he incidentally pulled on Evan Mobley's shoulders. The play, which was reviewed but not upgraded to a flagrant foul, led Mobley to fall into Capela's legs, bending his lower right leg and causing the hyperextension.
The 27-year-old is Trae Young's favorite pick-and-roll partner and averaged 11.1 points and 11.9 rebounds in 74 games this season.
Atlanta's backup center is veteran Gorgui Dieng, who is averaging 3.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 44 games this season.
Versatile sophomore big man Onyeka Okongwu will step in as the starting center for a frontline already missing John Collins with a sprained finger and torn right plantar fascia.
Update
The Hawks rallied to beat the Cavaliers and are moving on the face the Heat in Round 1. However, Capela is more than likely out for the entire first round because of the severe knee injury, according to the ProBasketballDocs.
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