Hawks stars Trae Young, Jalen Johnson on lengthy injury report for Suns clash

19-18 on the season, the Atlanta Hawks have been competitive this season despite dealing with a multitude of injuries.

Before they face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, the Hawks injury report was revealed by the NBA and it includes seven players and four players who have already been ruled out.

After both Bogdan Bogdanović (left lower leg contusion) and Trae Young (right Achilles tendinitis) played in the Hawks’ 124-121 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, they are both probable vs. Phoenix. Onyeka Okongwu (facial contusion) is questionable while Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder injury management), Jalen Johnson (right shoulder inflammation), Larry Nance Jr. (fractured fourth metacarpal, right hand) and Cody Zeller (personal reasons) are all out.

Having a career season for the Hawks this year, Johnson has been a rising star in the making and is knocking on the door for an invitation to the NBA All-Star Game. The 23-year-old is averaging career highs in points (19.8), rebounds (10.1) assists (5.3) and blocks (1.1) per game for Atlanta

Bufkin, Atlanta’s No. 15 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is out for the season and underwent surgery on his right shoulder. In 10 games this year, Bufkin will finish with posting 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

After it was confirmed that he had a fractured fourth metacarpal bone in his right hand, Nance Jr. had surgery and remains without a timeline for a possible return. His first season for the Hawks has seen him average 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 15 games.

The 11-year NBA veteran Zeller has yet to play a game this season for the Hawks as he is tending to a personal matter. He was traded to Atlanta as part of a giant package they received from the New Orleans Pelicans for Dejounte Murray this offseason.

For the Suns, the only player on the injury report is Royce O’Neale who remains out as he is recovering from a left ankle sprain.

The Hawks and Suns square off on Thursday at 7 p.m. MST inside Footprint Center.