Washington Wizards vs Atlanta Hawks: preview and player stats

The Wizards announced Thursday that Watkins has undergone surgery for a torn ACL. Watkins, a two-way player for the Wizards, suffered the injury during the Summer League. Although Washington has yet to offer a timetable for a return, a typical recovery time for the procedure is approximately 9-to-12 months. That leaves Watkins in serious jeopardy of missing most, if not all, of the 2026-27 season, and it remains to be seen if the team will continue keeping him around on a two-way roster spot while he's injured.

Champagnie (foot) is expected to miss several months, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. The forward underwent surgery Wednesday to address a fractured foot, and the Wizards hope Champagnie will be ready to return at some time around the All-Star break in February. The likes of Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington will all be asked to help pick up the slack for the foreseeable future.

Vukcevic (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Detroit. Vukcevic has yet to make his season debut due to a left hip impingement. The big man can be viewed as week-to-week until the Wizards provide an update on his progress.

The Wizards announced Monday that Beekman sustained a right acromioclavicular joint injury and will be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks. Beekman is set for an extended absence, with his re-evaluation timeline suggesting he could remain sidelined beyond the initial three-week window. The injury further limits Washington's backcourt depth, though Beekman's absence is unlikely to have a significant impact on standard fantasy leagues.

Gueye underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured left foot that he suffered during a workout last week, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. Gueye will be re-evaluated by medical staff in 3-to-4 months, which means he'll miss all of training camp and preseason and likely the start of the 2026-27 regular season. It's a brutal blow for the fourth-year big man, given that the Hawks used the No. 23 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to select St. John's product Zuby Ejiofor. Gueye's absence means Ejiofor will have more opportunities in the preseason, and the rookie could establish a key role off the bench behind Onyeka Okongwu and projected backup center Jock Landale (ankle).

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Newell will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. The second-year forward's absence will leave additional playing time for Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Gilbert will miss a third straight game due to left knee inflammation. However, his absence shouldn't affect the rotation.

Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday. Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season. Reported out for season.