The Atlanta Hawks are in Phoenix for a matchup with the Suns tonight and ahead of the game, Atlanta released important injury updates on former first-round picks Kobe Bufkin, AJ Griffin, and Jalen Johnson:
"Guard Kobe Bufkin was re-evaluated on Tuesday at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. He is making progress in his rehabilitation from a left toe sprain. He will be re-evaluated again in seven-to-10 days and his status will be updated as appropriate.
Guard AJ Griffin underwent an MRI at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex on Wednesday, which confirmed a right high ankle sprain. He will be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days and his status will be updated as appropriate.
Forward Jalen Johnson left Monday’s game at the Los Angeles Lakers in the fourth quarter due to injury. Johnson’s preliminary diagnosis is a right ankle sprain. He will be re-evaluated in one week and his status will be updated as appropriate."
Bufkin has not played in a game since March 2nd, while Johnson had just returned from an ankle injury he suffered in a win over the Cavs. Griffin had been playing in the G-League until he was injured.
The Hawks have been one of the most injured teams in the NBA this season and that continues. With Johnson's injury, it takes him out of the running for the most improved player because he failed to mee the 65-game threshold.
For Atlanta to have a shot tonight vs Phoenix, they are likely going to need to have a big game from Dejounte Murray. Murray had 40 points vs the Blazers and 33 points vs the Jazz, but he had to take plenty of shot attempts to get there. It might be that kind of night for Murray tonight vs the Suns.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had a great night vs the Clippers, but he has not played well over the past few weeks in total. With other guys out, Bogdanovic is going to need to step up tonight and have a good shooting night tonight as the Hawks's second-best option on offense.
The two starting forwards are going to be the question mark tonight for Atlanta. Vit Krejci has been starting since Bey went down with his injury and most nights he does not have to do much on the offensive end of the floor. Krejci has shown the ability to shoot the three well and he is not a bad defender either. His production is low, but he usually finds ways to contribute.
Wesley Matthews started in place of Johnson when he was out previously with his ankle injury, but he is questionable with an illness tonight. Wesley has been shooting well from three in the past few games, but if he can't go, I assume that Garrison Matthews will get the start. Garrison is one of the Hawks's best catch-and-shoot three-point shooters but has limitations on defense.
Clint Capela has a double-double in five of the last six games and the Suns are not a great defensive rebounding team. Atlanta is probably going to need both Capela and Onyeka Okongwu to have a big game on the boards to get the Hawks' second-chance points tonight. Okongwu played his first game in over a month on Monday vs the Lakers and played 19 minutes. Keep an eye on his minutes tonight.
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