The NBA community was shocked when Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson unexpectedly missed tonight’s crucial matchup against the Sacramento Kings. The late scratch, announced just minutes before tip-off, stems from left lateral lower leg inflammation, adding another layer of complexity to the Hawks’ already challenging season.
The timing couldn’t be more critical, as Johnson has been in the midst of a breakout season that has placed him firmly in the Most Improved Player (MIP) race, where he stands at +550 odds, second only to Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams at +500.
“This is a significant blow to our rotation,” stated Hawks head coach before the game, as the team quickly adjusted their starting lineup to include Garrison Matthews alongside Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and Clint Capela.
Johnson’s absence is particularly notable given his impressive performance this season, averaging 19.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. These numbers represent a remarkable jump from last season’s 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, highlighting the forward’s rapid development.
The Hawks’ medical staff has yet to provide details on the severity of Johnson’s inflammation or a timeline for his return. This marks his first missed game of the 2024-25 season, having played an average of 36.6 minutes per contest.
The timing of this injury could impact Johnson’s chances in what has become an intriguing MIP race. His main competitor, Jalen Williams of the Thunder, has been thriving on a championship-contending team, averaging impressive numbers while shooting 54% from the field and 42.7% from three-point range.
The Hawks’ Performance
- Ranked sixth in points per game.
- 3rd in Free Throw Attempts
- 28th in turnovers.
- The team ranks 30th in terms of both attempts and percentage allowed in three-point defense.
Tonight’s game against the Kings takes on added significance as the Hawks welcome back several key players from injury. Kobe Bufkin, who hasn’t made his season debut, Bogdan Bogdanovic, who hasn’t played since opening night against Brooklyn, and De’Andre Hunter, who has only made three appearances this season, are all eligible to play.
The spotlight now falls on Young, who must shoulder an even heavier burden in Johnson’s absence. Coming off a solid 29-point, 8-assist performance against Portland, Young faces the challenge of outdueling De’Aaron Fox, who has been the NBA’s hottest player over the past week. As the Hawks navigate this latest setback, questions linger about Johnson’s health and its potential impact on both the team’s immediate future and his promising MIP campaign.
This situation adds another chapter to what has been an unpredictable NBA season, where rising stars like Johnson and Williams continue to reshape the league’s competitive landscape. In the upcoming days, the Hawks’ medical staff will likely provide updates on Johnson’s condition as the team and fans anticipate his quick return.