Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers: preview and player stats (Jan 4, 2027)

Gueye (foot) is ready to begin on-court activities and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. The team stated in July that the big man would remain sidelined for the next 3-to-4 months after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured left foot, and he's continuing to make progress in his rehab. A timetable for Gueye's 2026-27 debut has yet to be established, thought a date could come into focus following his next evaluation in mid-December.

Flemings (back tightness) will not return to Friday's game against the Bulls. Flemings carried a questionable tag into this game, and it appears as though he irritated his injury again. He ended up finishing scoreless with one rebound and one assist in 17 minutes. Consider him questionable for Sunday against the Bucks.

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Chicago. Newell will miss a fourth consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks provide an update on his progress.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Bulls. Gilbert continues to deal with lingering knee inflammation and is without a timetable to return. He can be considered week-to-week until the Hawks offer an update on his progress.

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.

James (back) is out for Thursday's game against Toronto. The future Hall of Famer is getting Thursday night off for maintenace purposes. Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown should do the heavy lifting offensively, while Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope should soak up extra minutes for the 76ers.

Barlow (back) participated in Thursday's shootaround but doesn't have a timeline to return to game action, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. Barlow has been dealing with back soreness dating back to the preseason, so his participation in shootaround is an encouraging step. However, the 76ers have yet to provide a firm return date, and he'll likely need to ramp up further before he's cleared to play. Barlow should be monitored in deeper formats, but he isn't someone who needs to be rostered while he remains sidelined.

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports. The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Hukporti has sustained a season-ending ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy. Reported out for season.