When the Atlanta Hawks take on the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night, both teams will be quite shorthanded.
The Thunder are without Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams and Nikola Topic.
The Hawks don’t have Jalen Johnson, Kristaps Porzingis or Zaccharie Risacher.
The Johnson absence is a new one for the Hawks after he played in their first two games.
Through two games, Johnson has averaged 17.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
But at least for a night, he’s out.
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Why isn’t Jalen Johnson playing tonight?
Jalen Johnson has been ruled out for Saturday night with an injury.
He was initially questionable but then as downgraded to out with an ankle issue.
According to beat reporter Mikey Kobrinsky: “Quin Snyder said he’s ‘hopeful’ that Risacher, Porzingis, and Jalen Johnson can make the upcoming road trip after tonight’s game against OKC.”
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In the meantime, Atlanta will have to figure out its wing rotation.
It seems likely that Nickeil Alexander-Walker will get all the minutes he can handle, along with a lot of time for Luke Kennard.
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