Hawks F Jalen Johnson sidelined by right ankle sprain

Field Level Media|published: Thu 7th March, 19:19 2024

Mar 6, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) reacts after an ankle injury against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at State Farm Arena. credits: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta starting forward Jalen Johnson has been diagnosed with a right ankle sprain suffered during the Hawks' win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday and will miss Friday's game at the Memphis Grizzlies.

Johnson was injured during the third quarter and finished with seven points and four rebounds in 19 minutes in the 112-101 victory. The team said X-rays taken at State Farm Arena were negative, but that Johnson would not travel with the team. His status is day-to-day.

Johnson, 22, is averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks — all career highs — in 48 games (45 starts) this season.

The Hawks also announced that rookie guard Kobe Bufkin has been diagnosed with a left big toe sprain after an examination with team physicians Wednesday night. He will be in a walking boot for 10 days.

Bufkin, 20, was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He is averaging 3.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in nine games (zero starts).

Atlanta center Onyeka Okongwu (left big toe sprain/sesamoiditis) has transitioned out of a walking boot and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days, the team announced.

Okongwu, 23, is averaging career-bests with 10.2 points and 1.3 assists along with 7.0 rebounds in 53 games (eight starts) this season.

—Field Level Media

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