Hawks Start Regular Season 100 Percent Fully Vaccinated

ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Hawks tip off Monday night for their first preseason game in Miami against the Heat, they will be one player shy of being fully vaccinated.

In light of news last week regarding the vaccination status of several popular NBA players — L.A. Laker star LeBron James is fully vaxxed; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, not so much — Patch was curious where Atlanta’s winged warriors stood as they return to the court to build upon their breakout season and a finish in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“We are going to be 100 percent vaccinated again this year,” Hawks President of Basketball Operations Travis Schlenk said. “We have one player who’s going to receive his second shot next week, so before the regular season starts we’ll be fully vaccinated, and obviously the whole staff is vaccinated.”

Schlenk didn’t say who that one player was.

While vaccination is not required to attend Wednesday night’s home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena, you will want to keep your mask in tow as you enter.

During the screening process to enter the arena, masks are required. However, beyond that point, Hawks officials say face coverings are merely “encouraged throughout the arena while not actively eating or drinking.”

The exception to this rule is for spectators in Sections Floor 8 and Floor 9 and all AAA seating, where masks are required at all times when not eating or drinking.

Here's what you need to know before you go to the preseason home opener:

• Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at State Farm Arena.
• Keep a mask or face covering with you for entry.
• Masking is encouraged, but not required, when not eating or drinking, or seated in sections Floor 8 and Floor 9 or any AAA seats.