Collins nearing return, status upgraded

John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks poses for portraits during media day at Emory Sports Medicine Complex on September 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Credit: Kevin C. Cox

Credit: Kevin C. Cox

John Collins of the Atlanta Hawks poses for portraits during media day at Emory Sports Medicine Complex on September 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

John Collins is not back yet.

But he is getting close.

The Hawks power forward, who has not played this season due to a left ankle injury, has been upgraded to doubtful for Thursday’s game the Nuggets. He has been listed as out all season.

Collins suffered the injury during the preseason and has missed all 14 games for the 3-11 Hawks. The second-year forward would likely be in the starting lineup once he returns.

In other injury news, center Dewayne Dedmon will miss his third straight game due to personal reasons. The Hawks are also listing starting center Alex Len as questionable with a left ankle sprain. Justin Anderson (rehab from tibial stress syndrome, left leg) remains out.