Hawks see promising progress from Zaccharie Risacher's knee injury, indicating a return is on the horizon as he advances to day-to-day status.
The Atlanta Hawks say forward Zaccharie Risacher is continuing to make progress in his recovery, though he remains sidelined as the team prioritizes caution with the young wing.
Risacher, who has missed the last eight games due to a left knee bone contusion, will be out for Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. The Hawks said his status is now considered day-to-day as he advances through the final stages of his rehabilitation.
The update marks a notable shift in how Atlanta is characterizing Risacher’s recovery. While the team has stopped short of offering a return timeline, the day-to-day designation suggests confidence that the injury is responding positively and no longer viewed as a longer-term setback.
Risacher has appeared in 36 games this season, averaging 11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 24.6 minutes per game. He is shooting 46.2% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point range, production that has made him a consistent contributor when available. His season, however, has been interrupted by multiple injuries, preventing sustained rhythm.
Before the knee injury, Risacher had begun to find a groove offensively. He was playing with increased confidence, taking more perimeter shots and converting them at a higher rate while attacking closeouts with greater assertiveness. That momentum was halted earlier this month, prompting Atlanta to shift into a conservative recovery plan.
As part of that process, the Hawks recently assigned Risacher to the College Park Skyhawks, their G League affiliate. The move was intended to allow him to resume full basketball activity — including practices and controlled scrimmages — after a multi-week absence. He was recalled shortly thereafter, a step that often signals progress even if game clearance has not yet been granted.
Atlanta has emphasized patience throughout Risacher’s recovery, particularly given the unpredictable nature of knee injuries. Rather than rushing him back into game action, the Hawks have focused on ensuring his knee responds well to increased workload before reintegrating him into the rotation.
In Risacher’s absence, Atlanta has leaned on depth and lineup flexibility to stabilize the wing rotation. While others have filled minutes effectively, Risacher remains an important part of the organization’s long-term plans, valued for his shooting, versatility, and two-way potential.
For now, the Hawks are content to take a measured approach. Monday’s game comes too soon, but the team’s latest update places Risacher closer to a return as Atlanta continues to balance short-term availability with long-term health.