Zaccharie Risacher to Begin Playoffs Off Bench Despite Starting Season Finale

TL;DR **Zaccharie Risacher will come off the bench to open the playoffs against New York, despite starting Atlanta’s regular-season finale.**

Context Risacher earned the starting nod in the Hawks’ final regular‑season game, marking his first start of the year. The decision to move him to the second unit for the postseason follows a pattern of limited bench usage throughout the season.

Key Facts - Risacher will not start Game 1 against the Knicks, according to a quote from Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network. - He started the regular‑season finale but will begin the playoffs off the bench. - In 21 bench appearances during the regular season, he averaged 7.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 18.3 minutes per game.

What It Means The bench role suggests the Hawks view Risacher as a rotational piece rather than a starter in the postseason matchup. His modest scoring and rebounding numbers off the bench indicate a limited offensive load, which may keep his minutes near the 18‑minute mark he averaged earlier. Atlanta will likely rely on other forwards to generate early‑season playoff production while Risacher provides depth and defensive versatility.

Watch for how Risacher’s minutes and impact evolve if the series extends, especially if Atlanta needs additional scoring from its bench unit.