Landale’s absence leaves Atlanta thin in the frontcourt as it prepares for a deep Knicks frontline. New York enters as the favorites in the series, having held a 2-1 edge in their regular-season meetings, with all three games tightly contested.
Mouhamed Gueye, 23, is expected to operate as the Hawks’ primary backup center to open the playoffs. He will be tasked with providing interior defense and rebounding against a robust Knicks frontcourt.
Landale has already missed two weeks with the injury, and there is no clear timetable for his return beyond the two-week reevaluation window. The team has indicated he is progressing in rehab, but an exact date for a potential comeback remains uncertain.
This injury represents a notable rotation challenge for Atlanta, which will need increased contributions from Gueye and other reserves to contend with New York’s size and depth.
With Game 1 approaching, the Hawks will rely on Gueye to steady the middle while Landale’s status remains uncertain, potentially shaping how Atlanta structures its frontcourt rotation throughout the series.
