Hawks guard Kingston Flemings sits out Monday game

Cobb County fans watching the Atlanta Hawks will notice a gap in the starting lineup on Monday. Rookie guard Kingston Flemings is out for the team's game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The NBA issued the one-game suspension on Sunday. It stems from a physical altercation during the Hawks' 122-99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, October 31.

The trouble began with 3:04 left in the fourth quarter. Flemings drove for a layup, but Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens blocked the shot. Video review showed Flemings hitting McGowens in the face with an elbow as he gathered the ball. After the block, the two players bumped shoulders while running back on defense.

McGowens then shoved Flemings in the face and spat at him. Both guards argued as the crowd roared. Officials reviewed the play and assessed technical fouls to both players, resulting in their ejections.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder said the team was disappointed in the outcome but understood the finality of the call. "I knew we were going to be in a little bit of a bind, but that was not the plan. We made a good loss, but we really needed that for the game," Snyder said. He noted that the team had to adjust their rotation for the remainder of the contest.

The Hawks return to action on Friday. They face the Dallas Mavericks in their next scheduled game.