Jalen Johnson’s Status Announced for Hawks vs. Clippers Game Tonight
The Atlanta Hawks face a notable challenge as they prepare for their game against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. Just an hour before the match, the Hawks confirmed that star forward Jalen Johnson will not play due to right calf tightness. This development comes after Johnson was not included in the initial injury report.
Team Status for the Hawks vs. Clippers Game
With Johnson sidelined, the Hawks are already feeling the pressure. Kristaps Porzingis has also been ruled out, leaving the team thin in the frontcourt. Mouhamed Gueye is expected to take Johnson’s place in the starting lineup.
Recent Performance and Road Challenges
The Hawks have navigated a tough stretch, having played the most road games in the NBA this season. Recently, they faced back-to-back games against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons, managing to split the series at one win and one loss. This match against the Clippers offers the Hawks an opportunity to stabilize their performance after a disappointing outing against the Pistons.
Statistical Overview
As the Hawks look to bounce back, they currently rank as follows:
- 16th in points per game
- 9th in field goal percentage (FG%)
- 9th in three-point shooting percentage (3P%)
- 20th in free throw percentage (FT%)
- 25th in rebounds
- 1st in assists per game
- 18th in turnovers per game
- 17th in offensive rating
Defensively, the Hawks have been impressive, ranking:
- 12th in points allowed
- 10th in FG% allowed
- 6th in 3P% allowed
- 8th in defensive rating
Clippers’ Struggles
The Clippers, once a formidable team bolstered by stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, are facing significant struggles. Their offensive output has sharply declined, currently ranked:
- 26th in points
- 28th in assists
- 20th in offensive rating
Defensively, the Clippers have faltered as well, holding rankings of:
- 22nd in points allowed
- 29th in 3P% allowed
- 27th in defensive rating
Both teams are looking to turn their fortunes around tonight. The Hawks, led by their strong defensive performances, aim to regain momentum against the struggling Clippers as they prepare for the upcoming game.