The Atlanta Hawks have lost six straight games and will now be without their best player against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, December 29.
Jalen Johnson is listed as out with an illness on the official injury report for the contest. He had 20 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists against the New York Knicks on Saturday, December 27.
Atlanta has been in a tailspin over the last week, but that certainly has nothing to do with Johnson, who is averaging 24.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 9.4 assists in his last five contests. For the season, the forward is averaging 23.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.4 assists while shooting 52.2% from the field and 36.7% from three.
Is Jalen Johnson Playing Tonight?
Johnson has been ruled out for tonight’s game due to an illness, something he must have picked up in the last couple of days. His next chance to suit up is Wednesday, December 31 at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Losing Johnson for a game against the defending NBA champions is a detrimental blow at the worst time for Atlanta. The Hawks will miss his scoring and rebounding ability as they try to end their current skid. They are currently fighting for 10th in the Eastern, two games ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, who just got Giannis Antetokounmpo back from injury.
Asa Newell could see more minutes with Johnson out of the lineup. The Hawks could also be missing Trae Young, who is listed as questionable with a right quad contusion.
Jalen Johnson Having A Breakout Season
Johnson has burst onto the scene for the Hawks this season, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage, three point percentage and free throw percentage.
The fifth-year player out of Duke has provided both offensive firepower — in the 22-game absence of Young due to a knee injury — and defensive presence on the glass, as Kristaps Porzingis has missed extended time this season due to illness.
Johnson has reached some significant milestones already this season, becoming just the third player in NBA history to post four straight triple doubles before the age of 24. He has six triple doubles this year, after posting two in his previous four seasons.
Johnson could be ticketed for his first All-Star selection, as he’s been the star for Atlanta so far this season. With rumors about a deal involving Young swirling ahead of the NBA trade deadline, Atlanta could look to build around its young forward.
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