Jonathan

Kuminga

With Jalen Johnson (hip) sidelined, Kuminga made his first start as a Hawk in his second appearance for the team. He posted an efficient, well-rounded stat line in his 30 minutes. If Johnson ends up missing more time, Kuminga should remain in the starting unit and provide plenty of value. He has been excellent through two games with the Hawks, but he hasn’t been this efficient throughout his career. Still, the counting stats should be there.

With Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) and Jalen Johnson (hip) both sidelined, Risacher and Kuminga will join the starting unit. Risacher has come off the bench the last two games after starting most of the year, while Kuminga will be making his second appearance and first start as a Hawk.

Johnson suffered a hip injury in the first quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Wizards and will not play in the rematch. It makes sense since the Hawks should be able to beat the Wizards without Johnson. His absence should mean extra minutes and usage for Jonathan Kuminga, who looked great in his Hawks debut on Tuesday.

Risacher is dealing with a right hip contusion. If he can’t go after logging 28 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Wizards, the Hawks would likely lean on Mouhamed Gueye a bit more, along with Jonathan Kuminga. Of the two, Kuminga is the one whom fantasy managers should seek on the waiver wire.

Johnson suffered a left hip flexor injury during Tuesday’s win over the Wizards, exiting after playing six minutes. Jonathan Kuminga picked up additional minutes in his first appearance as a Hawk and was outstanding, scoring 27 points. Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye would also pick up minutes if Johnson sits, but Kuminga offers the highest fantasy upside.

It has been over a month since Kuminga last suited up, and when he did, it was for the Warriors. In his first game with Atlanta, it appears Golden State gave up on him too quickly. Sure, it’s only one game, but he was incredible in his debut. Plus, Jalen Johnson (hip) exited in the first quarter. Kuminga didn’t start the second half, but he should take on extended minutes if Johnson ends up remaining sidelined more than just the end of this game.

Johnson only played six minutes before his exit, which will open up plenty of minutes for the reserves. Jonathan Kuminga, who is making his debut for the team, should see a nice bump in minutes, while Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye could play larger roles as well.

Kuminga has been sidelined since January, so this will be his first time suiting up since Golden State sent him to Atlanta at the trade deadline. It’s unclear what his role will look like, but he should take minutes away from Zaccharie Risacher and Mouhamed Gueye.

While Kuminga isn’t guaranteed to return on Tuesday against the Wizards given his questionable listing, he should return to the court sometime soon. The Hawks said the 23-year-old power forward would be re-evaluated this week. Kuminga will likely require a minutes ramp up after missing so much time.

It’s unclear what Kuminga’s role will be once he’s cleared to play, but fantasy managers will have to stash him in an IL spot until he’s back on the court. Due to his extensive time off, Kuminga will likely require time to ramp up.