Atlanta Hawks Give New Injury Update ForJalen Johnson

Johnson exited last night's game with a shoulder injury and did not return
Jan 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) dunks the ball behind Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jan 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) dunks the ball behind Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Early in Thursday's loss to the Toronto Raptors, Hawks star forward Jalen Johnson left the game early with a shoulder injury and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. Just moments ago, the Hawks gave their first update on Johnson's health.

"Forward Jalen Johnson left Thursday night’s game vs. Toronto after sustaining a left shoulder injury during the second quarter. He will be listed as out as he undergoes further medical testing and evaluation. His injury and status will be updated as appropriate."

This is of course going to be something to track moving forward. Johnson is obviously a super valuable player for the Hawks and they don't play well or win many games when he does not play. They are going to have to do so though until there is another update clearing him to play. Johnson is currently averaging 18.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 5.0 APG this season.

The game tonight is a game that Atlanta needs to find a way to win, even without one of their best players. They are at risk of falling too far behind in the Eastern Conference and unable to get a top-six seed and avoid the play-in tournament. Every game matters right now for every team 4th-9th in the East.

Coming into tonight's game, the Hawks are 7th in the NBA in PPG, 16th in FG%, 14th in 3PA, 22nd in 3P%, 3rd in FTA, 23rd in turnovers, and 9th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 16th in points per 100 possessions, 21st in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 9th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 8th in free throw rate.

Currently, the Hawks rank 28th in PPG allowed, 27th in field goal percentage allowed, 27th in three-point attempts allowed, and 29th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 16th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 27th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

The Raptors currently rank 20th in PPG, 14th in FG%, 29th in 3PA, 20th in 3P%, 15th in FTA, 18th in rebounding, and 26th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Raptors are 22nd in points per 100 possessions, 17th in effective field goal percentage, 23rd in turnover percentage, 6th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 25th in free throw rate.

Defensively, the Raptors are 26th in PPG allowed, 21st in FG% allowed, 20th in 3PA allowed, and 22nd in 3P% allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Toronto is 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 25th in effective field goal percentage.

Without Johnson in the lineup, a lot is going to fall on Trae Young tonight vs Toronto, if he is able to play. Young is listed as questionable coming into tonight after having 18 points and 13 assists on Thursday.

Hawks forward Jalen Johnso
Jan 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) is guarded by New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Dyson Daniels had a solid performance vs Toronto on Thursday, scoring 22 points, pulling in eight rebounds, and handing out five assists. Daniels has strung together some solid offensive performances lately and against a poor Toronto defense, that might continue.

With Zaccharie Risacher's continued absence, VIt Krejci is going to keep starting. His minutes are likely to increase as well given that the Hawks don't have Johnson. Krejci had 13 points and was 3-7 from three-point range on Thursday.

The Hawks are going to get a boost at center tonight. Clint Capela missed Thursday's game, but is probable for tonight. For the first time in 12 games, Larry Nance has been upgraded to probable. While the Hawks have not done this much this season, Nance could get time at power forward with Johnson out given the Hawks lack of options at the position.

Who will be the other starter? It will likely be Garrison Matthews or David Roddy. De'Andre Hunter has been at his best off the bench and Atlanta will probably maintain that. Hunter has struggled in the last two games shooting the ball and when he struggles, the Hawks struggle as well.

The best thing to come from the loss on Thursday was that Bogdan Bogdanovic snapped out of his shooting slump and had his best game of the season. He scored 23 points on 8-12 shooting (3-5 from three) and looked the best that he has all season. Hopefully for Atlanta, that is a sign of things to come.

Getting Capela back will be big for the Hawks in this game. Toronto had success at the rim on Thursday and they outrebounded the Hawks.

Related Links

Hawks vs Raptors: Game Preview, Injury Report, Projected Starting Lineups For Tonight's Game

New Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Proposal Sends Middleton to Jazz, Bucks Go All-In, Hawks Land Backup Point Guard

NBA Midseason Grades: Atlanta Receives Multiple New Grades From National Outlets


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Jackson Caudell
JACKSON CAUDELL

Jackson Caudell has been covering Georgia Tech Athletics For On SI since March 2022 and the Atlanta Hawks for On SI since October 2023. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell