Hawks' Hunter returns vs. Wizards after missing 24 games
De'Andre Hunter returned on Monday at home against the Washington Wizards after missing the Atlanta Hawks' last 24 games due to a right knee injury.
Hunter registered six points over 14 minutes of action off the bench.
The Virginia product was previously absent for 23 contests after injuring the knee on Jan. 29, and he underwent surgery a little over a week later.
Hunter returned to the Hawks' lineup sooner than expected on March 22, featuring in two contests before reaggravating the injury. The second-year player was then forced to undergo a non-surgical procedure to reduce swelling in his knee.
In 20 outings this season, Hunter is averaging 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
His return should boost a 37-31 club that's eyeing one of the Eastern Conference's three remaining automatic top-six playoff berths.
Nate MacMillan's team currently sits fifth in the conference, with the same record as the sixth-placed Miami Heat and four games remaining. The Boston Celtics, who lost star wing Jaylen Brown to a torn wrist ligament on Monday, are two games back in the seventh spot.