Kobe Bufkin's Status Revealed For Tonight's Game vs Chicago

Jackson Caudell | Apr 1, 2024

Feb 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin (4) is guarded by Orlando Magic / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Hawks are in Chicago for a really big game vs the Bulls and they are going to have some good injury news (for once) going into this game. 

Earlier today, it was reported by Shams Charania at The Athletic that Jalen Johnson was going to be available for the Hawks tonight. Atlanta not only just confirmed that Johnson is going to be able to play, but rookie guard Kobe Bufkin is also going to make his first appearance since March 2nd. 

An @emoryhealthcare injury report for tonight’s game at Chicago:

Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain): Available
Kobe Bufkin (left big toe sprain): Available

Saddiq Bey (left knee torn ACL): Out
AJ Griffin (right ankle sprain): Out
Mouhamed Gueye (right UCL sprain): Out
Onyeka… pic.twitter.com/Y2tS52aECA

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 1, 2024

This is huge news for the Hawks on both ends of the floor. Johnson is one of the most improved players in the NBA and nobody else on the Hawks roster can do what he does. Bufkin was showing real signs of being valuable, especially on the defensive end, before he was injured.

With Bufkin back tonight tonight, he will likely assume the backup point guard role instead of Trent Forrest.

Neither end of the floor has been impressive for the Hawks in their two games vs the Bulls this year, but the Hawks rely on their offense to win them games. Dejounte Murray had the Hawks offense humming but they hit a wall in the first half against Milwaukee and the Hawks could not recover. Murray has had to put the team on his back with Trae Young out and he is playing a lot of minutes. In the biggest game of the year for the Hawks, Murray is going to need to have a good night.

Bogdan Bogdanovic might have had his best game of the season on Saturday vs Milwaukee. He scored 38 points on 12-23 shooting and also had 10 rebounds. Bogdanovic was getting it done from three and also getting to the basket and was the best player on the floor for Atlanta on Saturday. Bogdanovic and Murray can be a good scoring duo and Atlanta's offense needs them to be.

De'Andre Hunter had two great games vs Boston this week but was not able to shoot the ball well from the floor, going 5-13 from the floor and scoring 13 points. Hunter may also be guarding DeMar DeRozan tonight along with Johnson.

With Johnson back, I believe he will start in place of Vit Krejci. Johnson looked really good in his return from his ankle injury a couple of weeks ago and Atlanta does not have anyone that can do the things Johnson can on both ends of the floor. Krejci has been solid as a starter, but he will be a nice player to bring off the bench. Johnson will likely help guard DeRozan tonight as well.

Clint Capela and Bruno Fernando will split the center minutes tonight and they will both be playing crucial roles. Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond have had two big games vs the Hawks this year and Capela and Fernando will need to limit them both. Fernando brings a lot of energy to the floor every night for Atlanta and helped spark a run on Saturday vs Milwaukee.

The bench rotation will likely consist of Fernando, Garrison Matthews, Bufkin, and Vit Krejci.

Viewing and Betting information

Tip-off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: United Center, Chicago, IL

Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast,

Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be underdogs on the road tonight, as they are currently 2.5 point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 222.5.