The Atlanta Hawks, holding a 27-31 record as they emerge from the All-Star break, have made a significant lineup change ahead of their Sunday matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Head coach Quin Snyder has inserted veteran guard CJ McCollum into the starting five, sidelining 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in hopes of sparking the team’s performance.
Lineup Change Aimed at Boosting Team Performance
Despite promising moments during his rookie season, Risacher has struggled this year under the weight of high expectations. McCollum, who joined the Hawks in the trade that sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, will start alongside Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu. This lineup boasted the best plus-minus on the team before Sunday’s game, holding a +18.7 point differential, as reported by Lauren L. Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Coach Snyder Explains Rationale Behind the Shift
Following a heavy 31-point defeat to the Miami Heat on Friday, Snyder indicated the potential for such an adjustment.
“That is, by far, our best lineup from a plus-minus standpoint,”
Snyder said.
“You could make an argument that we should start that lineup … How can we best use CJ?”
he added, as recorded by Hawks beat writer Kevin Chouinard.
McCollum’s Impact and Role in the Hawks’ Strategy
McCollum has appeared in 18 games for Atlanta this season, averaging 19 points per game in around 30 minutes of play. With Trae Young no longer on the roster, Atlanta relies heavily on McCollum’s scoring ability to maintain their position in the play-in tournament. His veteran presence provides a crucial offensive boost for the team amid a challenging season.
Risacher’s Move to the Bench and Future Outlook
Benching Risacher is expected to ease the pressure on the young player, potentially helping him regain the form he showed late in his rookie year. If Risacher can recover his confidence and effectiveness, it could significantly fortify Atlanta’s lineup as they approach the postseason, making them a more formidable opponent moving forward.
Per league source the Hawks are going to move CJ McCollum to the starting lineup. It means Zaccharie Risacher will come off the bench.
Per Cleaning the Glass the Hawks have a +18.7 point differential with lineup of McCollum, Daniels, Alexander-Walker, Johnson and Okongwu.
— Lauren L. Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) February 22, 2026
CJ McCollum is starting in place of Zaccharie Risacher:
Quin Snyder, Friday, on having CJ in the finishing lineup:
"That is, by far, our best lineup from a plus-minus standpoint. You could make an argument that we should start that lineup … How can we best use CJ?"
— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) February 22, 2026
