Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker Out for Hawks vs. Wizards Game
The Atlanta Hawks will be without Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker for their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards. Johnson suffered a left hip flexor injury during the first quarter of the Hawks’ previous game, a decisive 119-98 victory over the Wizards. He managed to contribute five points, three rebounds, and two steals in just six minutes before exiting the match.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who was initially listed as day-to-day, will also miss the game due to a sprained left foot. In the last game, he recorded 16 points, five assists, and three rebounds, showcasing his importance to the team.
Lineup Changes and Key Players
With Johnson and Alexander-Walker sidelined, the Hawks will look to several players to step up in their absence.
- Jonathan Kuminga
- Zaccharie Risacher
- Dyson Daniels
- Onyeka Okongwu
- CJ McCollum
Jonathan Kuminga is particularly noteworthy after his impressive Atlanta debut, where he scored a game-high 27 points along with seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Golden State Warriors traded Kuminga to the Hawks, along with Buddy Hield, in exchange for center Kristaps Porzingis.
Background on Recent Trades
The Hawks have been active in reshaping their roster. Kuminga and Hield were acquired during a pivotal trade deadline, which also saw Trae Young move to the Wizards in a deal that brought Jonathan Kuminga and Corey Kispert to Atlanta.
Zaccharie Risacher has had to adjust his role on the team recently. He has been integrated into the lineup after CJ McCollum took over his starting spot. McCollum himself is one of seven new players for the Hawks, emphasizing the significant changes within the squad this season.
As the game against the Wizards approaches, the Hawks will need to rely on their remaining roster to maintain their competitive edge without two key contributors.
