Ahead of play-in, Hawks rule out Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu
The Hawks announced Thursday that Johnson, one of the team’s most productive starters who is averaging 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, will miss at least three weeks after spraining his right ankle Tuesday night against the Miami Heat.
Okongwu will miss at least four weeks following a nonsurgical procedure Tuesday to address inflammation in his left big toe. Okongwu averages 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
The injury updates come after All-Star point guard Trae Young recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists in his return Wednesday night during a 115-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Young had missed 23 games because of a torn ligament in his left pinkie.
Johnson, guard Dejounte Murray (right quad contusion) and forward De’Andre Hunter (rest) were held out against Charlotte.
The Hawks currently hold the No. 10 spot and the final position in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, where they will face the Chicago Bulls.