BREAKING: Jalen Johnson to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Left Wrist Injury

Johnson has been one of the most improved players in the NBA

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson injured his left wrist last night in the win against the Washington Wizards and had to leave the game. There was no update on his injury last night, but this morning, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Johnson would be out 4-6 weeks with his left wrist injury. 

Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks with left wrist injury, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Good news: Tests showed no fracture or need for surgery. Johnson is one of the NBA’s early Most Improved candidates, averaging 14.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 42.5% from 3. pic.twitter.com/8cyOjYJDpf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2023

This is going to be a big loss for Atlanta in the short term, but it is good news that this is not season-ending. If this timeline is correct, Johnson should be back before the All-Star game. 

Johnson has been incredible for the Hawks this season. He is averaging 14.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and is shooting 42.3% from three-point range. He has run the floor well in transition as a passer and been exactly what the Hawks have need at the position. The Hawks defense is much better with Johnson on the floor and that might be the aspect of his game that the Hawks are going to miss the most. 

Jalen Johnson will be out for 4-6 weeks / Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

So what do the Hawks do now that Johnson is out?

The good thing is that Saddiq Bey is a starter-level player and he will almost certainly slide into that role now. I think the question will be what happens with the rest of the bench now that Bey is likely to be starting. 

Bogdan Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu are still the top guys off the bench, but AJ Griffin might get back in the rotation with Johnson out. Griffin has been in and out of the rotation but still has a lot of upside and will bring shooting to the floor. 

Atlanta did get a win over Washington last night and will face the Celtics tonight in Boston. 

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip-off time: 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks are currently underdogs tonight, as they are 7.5-point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 236.5. 

Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics: Start time, where to watch, betting odds

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