The Atlanta Hawks have been dealt a serious injury blow.
The team announced that second-year forward De'Andre Hunter, who started in all five games of the opening round, will be out for the remainder of the postseason after suffering a small tear of the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
An @emoryhealthcare injury update (3/3):
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 9, 2021
Hunter is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles this weekend and undergo surgery to the lateral meniscus on Tuesday with Dr. ElAttrache. He will miss the remainder of the postseason and future updates will be provided as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/ktUBs6niaI
Hunter, 23, was sidelined for 49 regular-season games but recovered in time for the playoffs, where he played a key role in Atlanta's series victory over the New York Knicks. Over five games, the former No. 4 overall pick averaged 10.8 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range.
The news comes after knee soreness resulted in Hunter being held out of the Hawks' first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with the Philadelphia 76ers.
After undergoing an MRI, the meniscal tear was revealed, requiring the recommended surgery.
Atlanta, which was able to steal Game 1 on the road without Hunter, has inserted veteran forward Solomon Hill into the starting lineup. The team could look to a different second-year wing in Cam Reddish to return to the lineup after reports indicated he is nearing his return from an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since late February.
The Hawks will look to take care of home court as they host the Sixers in Game 3 on Friday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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