Atlanta Hawks vs San Antonio Spurs: preview and player stats

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.

Vassell (adductor) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports. Wednesday marks a second consecutive absence for Vassell due to an adductor injury. His void in the starting lineup paves the way for Julian Champagnie to draw a second straight start on the wing for the Spurs.

Harris (calf) is out for Wednesday's game against Chicago, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports. With Harris still sidelined, San Antonio will rely more on Julian Champagnie. Harris has yet to make his Spurs debut this season, so his absence continues to leave minutes available on the wing until he is cleared to return.

Quaintance has been around the team but has not yet been cleared for basketball activities, Matt Guzman of SI.com reports. The Spurs are expected to exercise extreme caution with the big man, as Quaintance suffered a torn ACL and meniscus with Arizona State in February 2025 before appearing in only four games with Kentucky last season due to severe complications and persistent swelling. The 19-year-old underwent a cleanup procedure on his meniscus in mid-July, and the Spurs will likely want him at 100 percent before ramping him up to basketball activities.