Kristaps Porzingis is sidelined again, and this time, the uncertainty matters more than the box score.

The Atlanta Hawks’ big man has missed seven of the team’s last eight games, and while the word “illness” sounds routine on an injury report, Porzingis’ situation carries more weight because of his recent medical history. Atlanta is being careful, intentionally so, and that caution is shaping both his return timeline and the Hawks’ short-term plans.

Here is what we actually know, what we do not, and why the Hawks are slowing everything down.

What illness is Kristaps Porzingis dealing with?

The Hawks have not identified Porzingis’ current illness as a flare-up of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, better known as POTS. That distinction is important.

Porzingis was diagnosed with POTS during the offseason after dealing with unexplained fatigue late in his final season with Boston. The condition affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause dizziness, rapid heart rate, and extreme exhaustion when standing or exerting effort. For a 7-foot-3 NBA player, that is not something teams take lightly.

This latest illness is being treated as a separate issue, but because of Porzingis’ history, Atlanta has chosen to pause basketball activities entirely and allow further medical evaluation before clearing him for a ramp-up.

In short, the illness itself has not been publicly detailed, but the response to it reflects a bigger picture approach to his long-term health.

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Why the Hawks are taking a cautious approach

Porzingis will miss at least the next two weeks, with the team planning a reevaluation near the end of December. There is no firm return date, and that is by design.

Atlanta’s medical staff wants to be certain that this illness is fully resolved and that it does not overlap with or trigger POTS-related symptoms. For players managing autonomic conditions, viral illnesses and fatigue can complicate recovery timelines, even if the illnesses themselves are minor.

Rather than rushing Porzingis back for short-term gains, the Hawks are prioritizing availability for the remainder of the season.

That philosophy matters, especially given where Atlanta stands in the Eastern Conference and how important Porzingis has been when available.

How Porzingis was playing before the absence

Before being shut down, Porzingis was productive and efficient in a controlled role.

In 13 games this season, he is averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field. His minutes have been managed, but his impact has been real, particularly as a floor-spacing big who opens lanes for Atlanta’s guards.

His last appearance came on December 5 against Denver. In just 20 minutes off the bench, Porzingis scored 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting and knocked down four three-pointers. It was one of those performances that reminded everyone why Atlanta targeted him in the first place.

Earlier outings showed the same trend. Strong scoring nights, solid rim protection, and stretches where he looked comfortable physically. The issue has not been performance. It has been consistently available.

The POTS context still matters

Even though the Hawks have not labeled this absence as POTS-related, Porzingis’ diagnosis remains part of the evaluation process.

Over the summer, he adjusted his training and recovery routines to manage the condition. That included hydration protocols, compression gear, and gradual activity ramps. Those changes helped him enter the season in good shape and even play internationally without issue.

But POTS can be unpredictable. Stress, illness, and travel can all affect symptoms, which is why teams tend to err on the side of caution once it enters the picture.

From Atlanta’s perspective, protecting Porzingis now reduces the risk of a longer shutdown later.

Atlanta is hovering around .500, and Porzingis’ absence has not helped an already stretched rotation. Trae Young has also missed time, and the frontcourt depth is being tested.

Without Porzingis, the Hawks lose spacing, rim protection, and a reliable scoring option who does not need plays run for him. Jalen Johnson and the remaining bigs have shouldered more responsibility, but the margin for error gets thinner.

Still, the Hawks did not acquire Porzingis to chase December wins at the expense of April availability. This is about playoff positioning and sustainability, not nightly urgency.

Return timeline and what to expect next

The next key date is around December 29, when Porzingis is expected to be reevaluated. If everything checks out, he would then begin a gradual return to basketball activities.

Even after clearance, minute restrictions are likely. Atlanta has been deliberate with its workload all season, and that will not change coming off an illness. A January return is realistic, but only if the medical picture is clean.

There is no incentive to rush him back for a single matchup or short stretch of games.

Porzingis is 30 years old and in his 11th NBA season. The Hawks knew his health history when they acquired him, and they built their plan accordingly.

This absence is frustrating, but it does not signal a setback unless complications arise. His recent performances suggest he can still be a high-impact player when healthy, and Atlanta’s decision to slow things down reflects confidence in that long-term view.

For now, the answer is patience.

The illness has paused Kristaps Porzingis’ season again, but the Hawks are betting that a careful approach now leads to a more reliable version of him when the games matter most.