Atlanta Hawks without Taurean Prince in Charlotte

Update: The Hawks have officially ruled Prince out for Tuesday’s game.

Though the third-year forward’s play has been up and down in the early stages of the 2018-19 season, Taurean Prince is unquestionably a key cog for the Atlanta Hawks. However, the team will likely be without his services on Tuesday evening, as the team listed Prince as doubtful for a road game against the Charlotte Hornets with a right ankle sprain.

Prince has been remarkably durable in the early stages of his career, appearing in all 82 games during his second NBA season. While the injury does not appear to be one that will cost him a lengthy absence, Prince seemingly suffered the ailment during the fourth quarter of Atlanta’s win over the Miami Heat on Saturday, and the team has every incentive to be cautious with a member of its young core.

In Prince’s stead, the Hawks will likely turn to increased minutes for Kevin Huerter and DeAndre’ Bembry, with the potential to deploy Tyler Dorsey and/or Daniel Hamilton, who was recalled from the G League on Sunday. While Prince has not been ruled out at this juncture, Atlanta will return home for a game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to monitor his status for that contest.

Stay tuned.