Jalen Johnson Questionable for Hawks’ Wizards Game
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is questionable for the team’s November 4 game against the Washington Wizards after missing a win over Indiana. Rookie guard Kingston Flemings is set to return from suspension.
The Hawks will finish a short road trip against Washington on November 4, with Johnson’s availability uncertain. He sat out Atlanta’s win over the Indiana Pacers on November 2 and is listed as questionable for the Wizards matchup. The game is the first of two meetings between the teams this week and will bring former Hawks guard Trae Young up against his old team for the first time.
Atlanta will be without Jock Landale, Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar. Flemings, a rookie point guard, is expected back after serving a suspension on November 2.
When Johnson missed the Pacers game, Lu Dort started in his place. Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor filled reserve roles in the frontcourt: Newell went scoreless in 17 minutes, while Ejiofor recorded three points and five rebounds in his first extended playing time of the season.
Corey Kispert also had a longer stint than usual, scoring 14 points and making four three-pointers. His defensive struggles contributed to a minus-9 rating during his minutes. If Johnson remains out, Kispert could have another opportunity in the rotation.
The Hawks are expected to stick with the lineup and bench roles they used against Indiana if Johnson cannot play. Atlanta hopes to have its All-NBA forward available against a Washington team described as one of the Eastern Conference’s stronger defensive sides.