The Atlanta Hawks avoided a disastrous injury to forward Jalen Johnson.
After hurting his right ankle in a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday, the Hawks are listing Johnson as day-to-day with a right ankle sprain and the X-rays were negative.
Here is the official update on Johnson from the Hawks:
"Forward Jalen Johnson left last night’s game vs. Cleveland in the third quarter with a right ankle injury. X-rays taken at State Farm Arena were negative, and he has been diagnosed with a right ankle sprain. He will not travel with the team for tomorrow’s game at Memphis, and his status is day-to-day."
There was also an update on rookie guard Kobe Bufkin:
"Guard Kobe Bufkin (left big toe injury) underwent an MRI on Monday in New York, and had a follow-up examination with Hawks team physicians last night at State Farm Arena. He has been diagnosed with a left big toe sprain. Bufkin will be in a walking boot for the next 10 days, and his status will be updated as appropriate."
While Johnson is not going to play in the game vs Memphis tomorrow, it is good that he avoided a serious injury that would have kept him out for a lengthy period of time. Johnson has been one of the Hawks's best players this season and one of the breakout players across the NBA. The next chance for Johnson to play in a game will be Sunday in a home game vs the Pelicans.
With Trae Young out, Kobe Bufkin had begun to takeover the backup point guard duties and he was playing well on defense. Hopefully, he will be able to return at some point this season as the Hawks make a push for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
The Hawks will face the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m.
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