Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is day-to-day with a left ankle injury, according to the injury report filed Saturday, Oct. 31 at 9:32 p.m. ET. He was questionable to return to Saturday's game in New Orleans, which puts his status for the games ahead in doubt.
What happened
Johnson hurt his left ankle in Saturday's game against the Pelicans. The injury report listed him as day-to-day at 9:32 p.m. ET on Oct. 31. Its comment: "Johnson (ankle) is questionable to return to Saturday's game against the Pelicans." He did not carry a prior status into the game. His last entries on the report were rest days in October. He was listed day-to-day for rest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 12, and he was cleared on Oct. 16. This is his first injury listing of the season. No diagnosis beyond the ankle has been announced.
What it means for the Hawks
Atlanta is 3-3 and sixth in the standings, coming off a win. Johnson has played all six games and the Hawks are 3-3 with him. They have not played a game without him. He averages 33.4 minutes, 19.0 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.5 assists, so he carries much of the offense as a scorer and a passer. If he misses time, the minutes go to the rest of the rotation: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (30.3 minutes, 20.5 points), Dyson Daniels (29.2, 10.7), Onyeka Okongwu (28.3, 12.8), CJ McCollum (26.1, 14.5), Aaron Wiggins (26.0, 15.5) and Luguentz Dort (22.9, 8.2). Jock Landale (hip) is out, along with Henri Veesaar (knee) and Mouhamed Gueye (foot), so the frontcourt is already thin.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether the ankle keeps him out. The report lists Oct. 31, the day of the injury, as his expected return. No timeline after Saturday has been announced. The Hawks have not announced any imaging. Watch whether Johnson stays day-to-day or gets a game-specific designation before Atlanta's next game. Also watch whether Landale, Veesaar or Gueye come off the report, since that would ease the load on the frontcourt.
Is Jalen Johnson playing at Pelicans on Sat, Oct 31?
He started the game but hurt his left ankle and was listed as questionable to return, according to the injury report. He is now day-to-day.
When will Jalen Johnson be back?
It has not been announced. He is listed day-to-day with a left ankle injury, and the report gives Oct. 31 as his expected return. No update has come since Saturday's game.