Jalen

Johnson

This is a devastating blow to Hawks fans and fantasy managers alike. Johnson has averaged 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, 1.6 steals, a block and 1.2 triples this season and is ranked 24th in per-game fantasy value. Vit Krejci, De’Andre Hunter and Onyeka Onkongwu could all see increased run as the Hawks look to fill the void left by Johnson through a committee approach. All three players are worth rostering in standard leagues, while Mouhamed Gueye has some deep-league appeal.

Gueye got the first start of his career at power forward, as he was the latest player to fill that role with Jalen Johnson sidelined. Johnson was at the game with his left arm in a sling, though the team still hasn’t provided a timeline for his return. David Roddy and Larry Nance Jr. have each gotten a start as well, but neither played as well as Gueye did. There is a legitimate chance that Gueye continues to start, though De’Andre Hunter will play a larger role. Gueye may have some streaming upside in deeper leagues if Johnson remains out.

Johnson injured his left shoulder during Thursday’s loss to Toronto and had already been ruled out for Saturday’s rematch. The update provided by the Hawks on Saturday could mean that this isn’t a one-game injury for the rising star. Johnson will continue to undergo testing on his injured shoulder, so fantasy managers should consider him out until Atlanta provides an update. While Larry Nance Jr. returning will help, Vit Krejci is also worthy of streaming consideration in deep leagues.

Johnson, who had been dealing with right shoulder inflammation, injured his left shoulder during Thursday’s loss to the Raptors. The Hawks have not provided any specifics regarding the left shoulder injury, but this may keep Johnson out for a few games. Dominick Barlow entered the rotation on Thursday, but the Hawks may get Larry Nance Jr. back. If so, he’s worth a look in deep leagues.

This isn’t the same shoulder that has caused Johnson to appear on the injury report recently, which could be seen as both good news and bad news. Hopefully this isn’t a long-term injury, but the team should provide some clarity within the next few days. Dominick Barlow has entered the rotation with Johnson out.

As expected, Young and Johnson are available after the Hawks listed them as probable on the initial injury report. They will occupy their usual places in the starting lineup.

Johnson’s been playing through a shoulder injury, which may have impacted his shooting Wednesday against the Pistons. The 23-year-old power forward had just 17 points on 21 shots including going 0-for-6 from behind the 3-point line. Johnson had a poster dunk on Detroit center Jalen Duren in the first quarter, which is sure to make highlight reels. Later in the game, Isaiah Stewart blocked Johnson at the rim as he attempted another dunk. Johnson was just one rebound shy of a double-double. Despite the poor shooting night, he’s been a top-20 fantasy player this season.

Johnson is officially available for Wednesday’s game. With the Hawks also playing on Thursday, fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility of him not being available for that contest. Garrison Mathews would have added deep-league value in that scenario.

Johnson has been able to play in their last two games, but there is a chance that he is sidelined for the first night of their back-to-back. If that happens, Garrison Mathews or David Roddy will likely replace him in the starting lineup.

Johnson returned to the Hawks lineup on Saturday after a five-game absence, playing 38 minutes in an overtime win over Boston. The probable tag suggests he’ll be available to play against the Knicks, likely taking on a similar workload.