Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu will miss Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets after suffering a dental fracture. The injury occurred when he was inadvertently elbowed in the face by Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown during Wednesday's game. Brown was assessed a flagrant foul for the play.

Okongwu, visibly bleeding, initially returned to the court to shoot a free throw before exiting the game. The Hawks' coach Quin Snyder noted Okongwu's toughness but acknowledged the need for dental work. Losing Okongwu is a blow for the Hawks as he is an important defensive presence and rebounder for the team.

This injury highlights the physical nature of the game and the potential for serious injuries. Brown, who has experienced a similar facial injury, expressed sympathy for Okongwu. The Hawks will need to adjust their rotations in Okongwu's absence, potentially giving more minutes to other big men on the roster.

It's unclear how long Okongwu will be sidelined, but the dental work will likely keep him out for at least a few games. The Hawks will need to find ways to compensate for the loss of their young big man. His absence could affect their positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.