De’Andre Hunter being out puts more pressure on Huerter and Gallinari

After missing a ton of time during the regular season with injuries, De’Andre Hunter returned to the Hawks lineup late in the season and played in all five games against the New York Knicks in the first-round of the playoffs. The former 1st round pick not only made a difference for the Hawks shooting 52.5% from three-point range in this series, but was a great perimeter defender for them that could guard numerous positions. 

Now though, Hunter is out for the remainder of the year because of a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. Losing De’Andre Hunter is a big loss for the Hawks on both ends of the court, but his absence means Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari will really need to step up for the remainder of this series and for the rest of the Hawks’ postseason run. 

READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Hawks-Pacers offseason trade features Malcolm Brogdon

The Hawks may not have another guy they can turn to that can be as productive on both ends of the court like Hunter, but both Huerter and Gallinari can fill the void left behind on the offensive-end of the court. 

During the regular season, Kevin Huerter averaged 11.9 points per game while shooting 36.3% from three-point range and Danilo Gallinari averaged 13.3 points per game while shooting 40.6% from three-point range. They are the two best scorers off-the-bench for Atlanta, which is why they need to give the Hawks 25+ points combined every single game in this series for them to have a chance. 

Both guys have played quite well actually in this series for the Hawks, but they need to maintain this same level of success throughout the entire series. They may not be the best defenders the Hawks have, but if they can give it everything they have on that end of the court, they can definitely help take the 76ers out of rhythm. 

From helping out defensively to knocking down shots from the perimeter on offense, both Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari are the difference-makers for the Hawks now with De’Andre Hunter out and they need to continue to play at a high-level on either end of the court.