Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to tightness in his right calf. This news comes as a surprise, as Johnson was initially available to play prior to being included on the injury report just an hour before tip-off.
The Hawks confirmed the update through a message from Emory Healthcare, noting Johnson’s right calf tightness as the reason for his absence. The 23-year-old forward has been enjoying a career-best season, averaging 23.2 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. His performance has been particularly impressive, especially in the wake of Trae Young’s absence, allowing Johnson to step up and showcase his skills. His shooting has significantly improved, as evidenced by his 41.3% accuracy from three-point range, which is a notable increase over his previous seasons.
Johnson’s absence represents a significant setback for the Hawks, who are already struggling with player availability. Kristaps Porzingis is out, and N’Faly Dante is currently assigned to the G-League, leaving the team thin in the frontcourt. With Johnson sidelined, players such as Mouhamed Gueye or Asa Newell may have the opportunity to join the starting lineup.
As the Hawks currently hold a 13-9 record, they enter the matchup against the Clippers as a -1.5 favorite according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Fans and the team alike will be watching closely for any further updates on Johnson’s status as they hope for a quick recovery.