Jalen Johnson is reportedly expected to return from injury on Monday night against the Chicago Bulls, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Atlanta Hawks forward has not played since March 18 due to a sprained ankle.
Johnson has impressed throughout the 2023-24 season. The Hawks are just 34-40, but they are still in the NBA Play-In Tournament conversation. In fact, they are currently tenth in the Eastern Conference which would give them a play-in game if the season ended today.
The season does not end today, though, so Atlanta will need to finish strong. Johnson's return will be important to say the least. He's been missed over the past couple of weeks without question.
Jalen Johnson performing well in 2023-24 season
Johnson is in the middle of a breakout campaign. The 22-year-old was limited during his first two years in the league, averaging 14.9 minutes per game or less. In 2023-24, though, he is receiving 34 minutes per contest. Johnson has made the most of the opportunity.
The Hawks young star is averaging 16.1 points per game on 51.3 percent field goal and 35.3 percent three-point shooting. Johnson is also recording 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per outing.
Players such as Trae Young and Dejounte Murray typically receive the most attention in Atlanta. It has been impossible to ignore Johnson's production, however.
“I watch a lot of guys who do everything,” Johnson said previously amid his breakout season, via Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “That’s my mindset. I don’t want to have there be a lapse of why I can’t finish out a game. I want to be at least solid in every department, whatever that may be. And then eventually just keep building on that, just keep adding bits and pieces.”
Johnson is a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions if necessary as well. He is a player the Hawks can build around moving forward. Atlanta is still rebuilding in a sense despite their current NBA Play-In Tournament position.
Hawks' 2023-24 season
Trae Young is battling an injury. The Hawks are just 34-40 as aforementioned. Yet, Atlanta has a realistic chance of making the play-in tournament.
Monday's game is especially important. The Hawks are 10th in the standings, but trail the Bulls by just a game and a half for the No. 9 seed.
Atlanta should be able to secure the No. 10 seed at the very least barring a complete collapse. The Brooklyn Nets, who hold the No. 11 seed, are currently five games behind the Hawks.
Nevertheless, Atlanta would love to climb the standings as much as possible before the postseason gets underway. Perhaps Jalen Johnson's return on Monday will provide Atlanta with enough momentum to overcome the Bulls in Chicago.
Tip-off for Tuesday night's game is scheduled for 8 PM EST.
Follow Us
Subscribe