Despite coming into the day available to play, Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has now been been ruled out ahead of Wednesday’s game vs. the Los Angeles Clippers due to calf tightness.
Johnson was not previously listed on the Hawks’ injury report for Wednesday night, but popped up as questionable due to the calf issue roughly an hour before tip-off. Just 15 minutes later, the team ruled him out entirely for the tilt.
Losing Johnson for tonight deals a significant blow to Atlanta. The 23-year-old forward is in the midst of a career-best campaign, averaging 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. He’s an undeniable talent on the glass but has taken strides as a playmaker and shooter — his 41.3% mark from three-point range is a career-high by a significant margin. The absence of Trae Young has created an opportunity for Johnson to shine which he’s clearly capitalized on in the first year of a five-year, $150 million contract extension.
Without the budding star in the lineup, watch for Mouhamed Gueye or Asa Newell to potentially slide into the starting lineup. The Hawks are already shorthanded in the frontcourt with Kristaps Porzingis out and N’Faly Dante on assignment in the G-League as well.
Atlanta is 13-9 on the campaign and is a -1.5 favorite against the Clippers tonight on DraftKings Sportsbook.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
