Atlanta Hawks ahead Jalen Johnson (sprained proper ankle) will return tonight on the Chicago Bulls, based on sources. Johnson, 22, has been out since March 18 after struggling an ankle sprain in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The third-year wing rolled his ankle whereas touchdown with 6:47 to play within the fourth quarter. Johnson, who returned simply two video games prior from a proper ankle sprain, was in a position to depart the court docket below his personal energy.
Per just a few NBA betting websites, the Hawks maintain eighth-shortest odds to make the playoffs within the Japanese Convention. Sportsbooks are exhibiting higher odds for the Philadelphia 76ers and Bulls.
Hawks ahead Jalen Johnson (sprained ankle) will return tonight vs. the Bulls, sources inform @TheAthletic @Stadium. Johnson – in a profession season averaging 16.1 factors, 8.6 rebounds and three.5 assists – has been out since March 18 after struggling an ankle sprain in opposition to the Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2024
Johnson beforehand missed three straight video games final month due to the identical harm. Within the three video games he performed since his preliminary harm, he averaged 23 factors, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists whereas capturing 42% from the ground.
By means of 51 video games (48 begins) this season, he has averaged profession highs of 16.1 factors, 8.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 34 minutes per recreation. He’s additionally capturing 51.3% from the sphere and profession bests of 35.3% from 3-point vary 72.5% on the free throw line.
Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson (sprained proper ankle) is possible vs. No. 9-seeded Chicago Bulls
Johnson’s participant effectivity ranking (16.1) and worth over alternative participant (1.3) are profession highs this season. He at the moment ranks nineteenth within the NBA in defensive rebound proportion (24.4%) as effectively.
In Atlanta’s 141-138 win over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder on Jan. 3, the Wisconsin native recorded a career-high 28 factors, seven boards, three assists, and 4 steals in 28 minutes of motion.
Different Hawks listed on the harm report embrace Trae Younger (finger), AJ Griffin (ankle), and Kobe Bufkin (toe). All three gamers stay out indefinitely. Plus, Onyeka Okongwu (toe) and Mouhamed Gueye (elbow) have been downgraded to out for tonight’s matchup.
Large one tonight within the Windy Metropolis
🆚 @chicagobulls
⏰ 8 PM ET
📍 @UnitedCenter
📺 @HawksOnBally
📻 @929TheGame pic.twitter.com/eHcmvUHTKs— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 1, 2024
Atlanta is 4-1 in its final 5 video games and 1-4 in its previous 5 conferences with the Bulls. The Hawks are additionally 1-6 of their earlier seven matchups with a Central Division opponent.
The Hawks are 20-27 in Japanese Convention play, whereas the Bulls are 19-25. Atlanta is fourth within the Japanese Convention, scoring 119.2 factors per recreation whereas capturing 46.6%.
Moreover, the Hawks (34-40) path the Bulls (36-39) by 1 1/2 video games for the ninth spot within the East standings. Atlanta has a 5 1/2-game lead on the No. 11 Brooklyn Nets (29-46).
NBA sportsbooks present the Hawks as 2-point underdogs at Chicago tonight. Per ESPN’s Basketball Energy Index, the Bulls maintain a 56.8% likelihood of defeating Atlanta.