Kristaps Porziņģis Cleared for Hawks’ Return vs. Timberwolves

Overview

• Atlanta removed Porziņģis from the injury report for Wednesday’s game, ending a 10-game absence for an unspecified illness.
• The 7-footer has averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks in 25.9 minutes in his first season with the Hawks.
• Jalen Johnson is also available after missing the last game with an illness, and Trae Young is listed as questionable with a right quad contusion.
• The Hawks enter the matchup on a seven-game skid at 15-19, with defensive issues highlighted by allowing 126-plus points in each of their last nine losses.
• Porziņģis’ $30.7 million expiring contract is viewed as a potential salary-matching piece if Atlanta evaluates trade options in the coming weeks.